State high court sets standard for sealing warrants

Article Abstract:

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld an appeals court ruling that search warrants are public documents and can only be sealed if a court concludes that the state's interest justifies denial of public access. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had requested access to warrants issued during a murder investigation. The state denied access, arguing that warrants were not public records while investigations were in progress and until filed in court after arrest. The Supreme Court disagreed, stating warrants are public unless the trial court makes an interest determination justifying closure.

Laws, regulations and rules, Warrants (Law)

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Access to records cannot be denied over general 'embarrassment'

Article Abstract:

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled in In re Motion of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a trial court erred in sealing court records without holding a hearing to determine factual findings, according to court rules, stating that embarrassment alone is not a reason to seal records.

Georgia, Cases, Privacy, Right of, Right of privacy

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