firstamendment

Accessing Police Reports Q: I have a court date in small claims court against a termite company. I was told by a detective that I need to prove “perponderous of evidence” which when explained to me meant that I only need to prove that the termite company could have some fault in the burglary that took place at my home while being tented. I have also been told by a community representative at the police

Civil Harrassement Restraining Order Filings; Non-Internet Accessible Q: The County Superior Court maintains an “Open Access” internet database system for access to court records and filings, including dockets in all civil and criminal cases and downloads of all filed and imaged pleadings and other filed documents in civil cases — with one exception.  All dockets and imaged documents are publicly inaccessible for all civil harassment restraining order filings.  This results in a quasi secret docket

Public Access to a Hearing Outside the Courtroom Q: There is an arraignment to be held later today in a hospital room. I’m a reporter and I anticipate barriers to be allowed access to this arraignment. Could you please offer guidance? A: I haven’t as yet been able to put my hands on a case addressing the press’ right of access to court hearings held in locations outside the courtroom.  However, the law is clear

Child Custody Case and Family Court Services Q: This involves a custody case in which I and my husband are the grandparents. I have raised the child since birth and until recent rulings shared legal custody with our son and the child’s mother. I have read the Q&A on access to CPS records. I would also like to access records from Family Court Services interviews. I would like to have the records for everyone who