Access / FOIA
A Victory for Transparency in Uvalde
Reid PillifantMore than a year after a gunman killed 19 students and 2 teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, a judge has ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to release information about the attack and the law enforcement response.
Florida Appellate Court Orders Public Release of State Grand Jury Materials from Failed Jeffrey Epstein Prosecution
Nina D. Boyajian and Layal L. BisharaThe Court of Appeal held that courts have inherent authority to order the disclosure of grand jury materials, “despite the traditional rule of [grand jury] secrecy.”
South Dakota Supreme Court Unseals Billionaire’s Search Warrant Materials, Again!
Jeremy KutnerA year and a half after the South Dakota Supreme Court unsealed search warrant materials related to billionaire T. Denny Sanford, who was under investigation for possession of child pornography, the court finished the job, unsealing the underlying affidavits that finally told the public what the investigation was all about.
Significant FOIA Win to Gain Access to MLAT Records on Mexico’s Former Secretary of Defense
Victoria Baranetsky, Dara Gray, and Anise McKinneyBeyond denying the use of a categorical exemption, this case is a unique win because it marks the first time a court has ordered a search of documents when a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty is at issue.
The Court and the Press in the Murdaugh Murders Trial
Jay BenderOn balance, the press members who were in Walterboro deserve as high a grade as the individuals who worked very hard to fulfill the provision in the South Carolina Constitution that all courts are public.
Courthouse News Service Continues Its Winning Streak
Jack Greiner and Darren W. FordCourthouse News secured another victory in its efforts to preserve prompt access to electronically filed complaints, obtaining a preliminary injunction against the Franklin County, Ohio Clerk of Courts barring her office from restricting public access to newly filed non-confidential complaints, and directing her to make such complaints available to the public and press.
Tennessee Journalists Prevail in Reverse Public Records Dispute Regarding Naomi Judd’s Death
Robb S. Harvey and Quynh-Anh D. KiblerThe procedural battles were unique, to say the least. Ultimately, the media’s requests were fulfilled, and the Judd family voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit.
DC Court of Appeals Dismisses Police Union’s Fundamental Right to Privacy Claim Over Body Cam Footage
Sara Benson and Cindy GierhartThe Court found that the growing consensus regarding a First Amendment right to record police activity in public was incompatible with the alleged fundamental information privacy right asserted by FOP.
Mass Shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs Prompts Two Successful Unsealing Battles
Steve ZansbergJudge Chittum ruled that in light of recent events the statute clearly required that prior criminal case file be unsealed.
Ohio Senate Candidate Can Run, But Not Hide
Darren Ford and Jack GreinerCan a candidate for the United States Senate from Ohio and his soon to be ex-wife file a divorce action in a county in which neither resides and have a compliant judge issue an order prospectively sealing the entire case record? Spoiler alert, the answer is no.