Will need to Courts Minimize Access to Electronic Documents?

From the Winter 2001 issue of this News Media & The Law, page 17.

Process of law around the nation are developing and acquiring the technology to provide Net or electric access to court public records. It can make documents searches faster and more reliable for the press and members of the public. Yet privacy hobbies are forcing some courts to concern whether to let such broad entry to courthouse documents.

A number of state governments are considering fresh rules with regards to electronic usage of court records. A lot of these proposals restrict electronic usage of specific types of files, including arrest case files. These types of files are more very sensitive and present more potential with regards to privacy considerations than civil case data files. Other plans are more expansive and will allow the general public to enjoy most records, but with constraints on specified data factors or kinds of information including social secureness numbers or perhaps medical reports.

The judiciary is requesting public responses on these proposals. In case you are interested in the problem, you should contact a state’s lawmakers and ask those to support amendments to state open data laws that permit wide-ranging access to every court records, no matter their type. You should also motivate attorneys to make contact with their selected officials go to website and need them to oppose any plans that restrict access to electronic records.