Trials are presided either by a single judge or a panel of three judges. In general, all hearings and rendering of judgments are open to the public. However, if there is any possibility that holding a public hearing could impair national security, public peace and order, or be contrary to good morals, the court may decide to close the hearings to the public. In either case, rendering of judgments must be open to the public under all circumstances.
Videotaping, taking photographs or live broadcasting in a courtroom without prior permission of the presiding judge is not permissible.
The court may confine for not more than 20 days, or fine for not more than 1 million Korean won (approximately US$ 980 as of August 2014), or impose both on a person who interrupts the conduct of a trial by harsh language, disturbance, etc.