Mug shots not exempt from disclosure: photos of defendants who have appeared in court are public

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in Detroit Free Press v. Department of Justice that a criminal defendant whose name had been released and that had appeared in open court had no privacy interest in photographs of his face. The Department of Justice had denied access to mug shots based on exceptions to the Freedom of Information Act and concerns that fair trial rights would be compromised. The court found that a public interest in the defendant's appearance existed and noted that such disclosure could be particularly relevant in instances of police misconduct.

Privacy, Right of, Right of privacy

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Kennedy family allowed to control autopsy photos: 'too private' to ever have been public records, appeals court rules

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in Katz v. National Archives & Records Administration that photographs and x-rays from John F. Kennedy's autopsy were not subject to Freedom of Information Act release because they were never agency records. The Kennedy family took possession of the photos in 1965 and deeded them back to the National Archives with restrictions on access. Congress has since codified those restrictions. The court noted that presidential personal records were treated as property of the president or his estate until a 1981 law was passed.

Reports, Autopsy, Kennedy, John F.

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Film sparks move to open Kennedy records

Article Abstract:

Oliver Stone's movie 'JFK' has brought about demands that records on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy be made public. The Warren Commission, which had been appointed to examine evidence of the assassination, made 26 volumes of evidence public with its report. Bills have been introduced in both houses to make other evidence available, including House, autopsy, CIA and FBI records. Opponents to the bills fear loss of executive authority to control national security information.

Records and correspondence, United States. President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

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