§ 14-6-424 — Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations permitted

(a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this
act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an
informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings
not included under this act. The district attorney shall present
evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the
state. If the allegations in the petition are denied,
adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the
court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate
means.
(b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of
court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this
act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors,
witnesses, and other persons the court finds having a proper
interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be
admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest
of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any
hearing except while evidence is being received at an
adjudicatory hearing in support of the allegations of his need
for supervision.
(c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be
consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations
in the petitions pertain to the same act constituting the
alleged need for supervision. Separate hearings on the petitions
may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition.
(d) Repealed By Laws 2004, ch. 127, § 3.