Smith v. Titus

Byron David Smith, a state prisoner asking a federal court to review his conviction, says his Sixth Amendment right to a public trial was violated when the courtroom was closed during part of his criminal case. The petition asks whether, under AEDPA, that public-trial protection applies across the whole trial or only to proceedings like suppression hearings and jury selection.

No oral argument has been scheduled yet. Smith argues that the public-trial right should apply more broadly when federal courts review state convictions under AEDPA.

The answer could affect how hard it is for state prisoners to challenge courtroom closures in federal court. For example, a defendant whose family was excluded from part of a trial could face different odds depending on how broadly the right is read.

The next milestone is any move by the Court on whether to take the case or set further scheduling. No oral argument date or decision window is available yet.

The case asks how far the Sixth Amendment's public-trial right extends in federal review of a state conviction. The specific question is whether it covers all trial phases or only certain ones.

It could shape when prisoners can win federal challenges to courtroom closures. That matters to defendants, families, victims, and the public interest in open courtrooms.

Watch for the Supreme Court to decide whether to hear the petition or make another scheduling move. There is no argument date yet.