Panelists Grapple With Issues Related to Putting Records Online

Should otherwise public court records detailing child abuse, financial records or medical information be posted on the Internet? Courts throughout the country are grappling with that issue as they develop rules governing electronic publication of documents in civil and criminal cases. At the annual meeting of the National Freedom of Information Coalition on Saturday, a discussion focused on the question.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Should otherwise public court records detailing child abuse, financial records or medical information be posted on the Internet? Courts throughout the country are grappling with that issue as they develop rules governing electronic publication of documents in civil and criminal cases. At the annual meeting of the National Freedom of Information Coalition on Saturday, a panel discussion focused on the sensitive issues that arise when making information available on the Internet. The group’s mission statement says it is dedicated to protecting the public’s right to know. “Do we put autopsy photos online?” asked David Byers, administrative director of the Arizona court system and president of the Conference of State Court Administrators. “Do we put photos of rape victims that have been entered into evidence? It’s that kind of detail that causes people to pause.” A panel of state court administrators will propose national guidelines later this summer that try to balance the public’s right to know against an individual’s right to privacy. Now, each state decides whether to post court documents online and whether to withhold some information that is otherwise available to the public at courthouses. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy-Powell said online posting of information as seemingly noncontroversial as traffic citations could allow the spouse of a domestic violence victim to discover the person’s new address. “Where do the privacy rights come in, if they come in at all?” she asked. “It’s not a simple question.” James Chadwick, a Silicon Valley attorney who specializes in representing the media in First Amendment issues, argued that there is a public interest in providing access to documents in court cases between private parties. For instance, testimony in private personal injury suits brought against Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. revealed information about the company that otherwise may have remained confidential, he said. “Cases involving private litigation can provide the public with information on matters of broad and significant public concern,” he said. Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Benefits of a Digital Membership:

  • Free access to 3 articles* every 30 days
  • Access to the entire ALM network of websites
  • Unlimited access to the ALM suite of newsletters
  • Build custom alerts on any search topic of your choosing
  • Search by a wide range of topics

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

Trending Stories

 

Featured Product

Global Briefing

A weekly, curated selection of our international content from around the globe, across the business of law, in-house, regulatory, technology and more, with expert insights from our senior editors.

Learn More

More from ALM

 

ALM Legal Publication Newsletters

Sign Up Today and Never Miss Another Story.

As part of your digital membership, you can sign up for an unlimited number of a wide range of complimentary newsletters. Visit your My Account page to make your selections. Get the timely legal news and critical analysis you cannot afford to miss. Tailored just for you. In your inbox. Every day.

Privacy Policy

About Us / Contact Us / Site Map / Advertise With Us/ Customer Service / Terms of Service/ FAQ / Privacy Policy

Publications

Law Topics

Rankings

More

Law.com

Copyright © 2020 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved.