Practice Points: A Primer on Gag Orders: Practice and Procedure

Courts may impose gag orders in high-profile cases and other situations in which widespread public interest exists in the crime and the ensuing criminal trial. What are the competing constitutional interests that may be at issue when a court considers imposing a gag order? The authors discuss the basic mechanics of gag orders, such as who can request them, the type of information that can be restricted, and against whom gag orders can be imposed.