Elizabeth Smart's appearance in federal court Thursday was her most revealing.
In the six years since her rescue from captivity, Smart's family has closely guarded her privacy as she returned to high school, entered Brigham Young University as a music student and is preparing for an LDS Church mission to Paris.
There have been two books, a television movie and interviews with Oprah, Katie Couric and Larry King.
But few details emerged concerning Smart's nine months in the woods and on the road with her alleged abductors: Brian David Mitchell, a homeless religious fanatic who purportedly wanted Smart for a plural wife, and his wife, Wanda Eileen Barzee.
Smart and her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, have appeared in support of child-safety programs, as in 2003 when they were guests of President George W. Bush for the signing into law of the Amber Alert bill.
Last year, Smart gave a rare public interview to local media to promote a survival guide she helped write for abduction victims.
And earlier this year, she was the keynote speaker at Utah's 22nd annual Crime Victims' Conference at the Capitol.
Ed Smart explained in 2007 that Elizabeth only gives interviews or appears at public events "when she feels she can be helpful, if she truly believes it will be of value."
When she does appear, Elizabeth has preferred to focus on moving forward.
At the victim's conference, Elizabeth called her abduction a defining moment in her life -- an experience that made her realize how much she loved and appreciated her parents and family.
