State v. Comeaux, 224 N.C. App. 595 (Dec. 31, 2012)

The trial court did not violate the defendant’s constitutional right to a public trial under Waller v. Georgia by closing the courtroom during a sexual abuse victim’s testimony where the State advanced an overriding interest that was likely to be prejudiced; the closure of the courtroom was no broader than necessary to protect the overriding interest; the trial court considered reasonable alternatives to closing the courtroom; and the trial court made findings adequate to support the closure.