MONDAY, August 28, 2000
Floyd Clements v. State of Florida

No.96,670

Brevard County


Clements was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for sexual battery on a child less than 12 years of age. Without holding a hearing, the judge at trial closed the courtroom during the child-victim's testimony pursuant to a Florida statute. Clements argued that closure without a hearing violated his constitutional right to a public trial, while the State contended the statute protects child-victims from psychological harm. The Fifth District Court agreed with the State.