Court limits access to tapes used in trial

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled that the Justice Department does not have to provide access to tapes played in court when such access would violate the Freedom of Information Act's (FOIA) privacy exemption. The department had attempted to fulfill a FOIA request for tapes from a racketeering trial, but discovered the court records were not complete enough to identify the portions of the tapes used in court. In order to protect others still under investigation, the court agreed with the Justice Department that the tapes should remain confidential under FOIA.

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Arkansas court allows access to juveniles' names

Article Abstract:

The Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled that the state's Freedom of Information Act and Juvenile Code allows for public access to the names of juveniles under arrest or in jail. Exceptions to the ruling were if a closure were granted under the Juvenile Code or the juvenile were subject to a formal proceeding. It was argued in a dissenting opinion, however, that the state's juvenile detention centers which receive federal funding are subject to the Juvenile Justice Detention and Delinquency Prevention Act, which requires protection of juveniles' names.

Laws, regulations and rules, Juvenile justice, Administration of, Administration of juvenile justice

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Appeals panel opens memos read in court

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit has ruled that, under common law, memoranda and other internal court documents that have been read in open court become part of the public record to which the public has a right of access unless the court can identify factors to justify restricting access. An inmate acting as his own counsel heard a memo read in court and requested a copy, and the court agreed the lower court had waived any privilege it had to non-disclosure once the memo was read before the court.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Court expands fair report privilege to private individuals. State high court allows use of 'wire service' defense in libel suits
• Abstracts: Court rejects plaintiff's bid for secrecy. Judge ejects cameras in governor's trial, despite parties' consent

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