Purpose

Intent: To recognize the delicate balance of interests served by open and closed court records. Applicability: This rule applies to the judicial branch. Statement of the Rule: (1) This list of interests served by public court records is not exhaustive but is meant to illustrate the important objectives of open government: (1)(A) to obtain information concerning the conduct of the public’s business; (1)(B) to educate the public about the workings of government and the decisions being made on the public’s behalf; (1)(C) to contribute to informed debate; (1)(D) to hold public officers and employees accountable; (1)(E) to increase public confidence; (1)(F) to give notice of important claims, rights and obligations; and (1)(G) to provide material for independent research on improving government policy. (2) This list of interests served by non-public court records is not exhaustive but is meant to illustrate the important objectives protected by selectively closing court records: (2)(A) to protect personal privacy; (2)(B) to protect personal and public safety; (2)(C) to protect a property interest that would be lost or devalued if opened to public view; (2)(D) to promote the rehabilitation of offenders, especially youthful offenders; and (2)(E) to protect non-parties participating in the court process, such as victims, witnesses, and jurors.