firstamendment

Access to case exhibit Q: I have a case in the Court of Appeal. My attorney needed a copy from the case file. I went to court and asked for a copy of exhibit 3. The clerk denied my request. I told my attorney this and he sent a local to obtain exhibit 3. She too was denied access or a copy of the public record. I believe since I am the first person to

Q: I am reporting a story on law enforcement agencies encoding police dispatch calls and rendering useless police scanners used by the press and broadcast reporters. Has this issue surfaced in other counties or states? Has it been tested in court? Is there a basis to challenge it in court? A: It wouldn’t appear that you have any basis for challenging this under California law. The public records act only covers writings, not oral communications.

Accessing juvenile court records Q: I need to find a law to access juvenile court records. Could you help me? A: Generally speaking, juvenile court records are confidential except as to certain law enforcement and court personnel, or the parents and guardian of the minor. Other persons can get access to documents only with permission of the court. You would have to file a petition to do this. You haven’t disclosed your relationship to the

Release of mug shots Q: I’m seeking a booking photo on a person. The jail said they can’t release the mug unless there is a conviction. Is this true? A: Our position is that the mug shots have to be provided, but that the AG has taken the position that it is discretionary. In any event, there is no statute preventing the release.