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access to courts

Access to records: Court reporters’ ownership of transcripts challenged

donal brown April 26, 2011

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office is recommending phasing out court reporters in favor of electronic transcription. The Office thinks it will save the state $113 million a year but studies have raised doubts that any savings would occur. Some open government advocates are also challenging the status quo by questioning the benefits of allowing court reporters intellectual property rights to court transcripts ergo the right to collect fees for copies thereby limiting access. -db From

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Federal judge in Florida blocks bid for gag order in civil rights case

donal brown April 5, 2011

Attorneys for the Southern Poverty Law Center are allowed to discuss a civil rights case involving treatment of plaintiffs in a private Juvenile Detention Center. A federal judge found that a fair trial would not be compromised by statements from plaintiffs or their attorneys. The judge noted that while “Defendants are dismayed by the extrajudicial statements at issue in this case, since such statements challenge the Defendants’ business activities and actions…such dismay does not amount

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Federal court administration justifies banning smart phones from courts

donal brown April 4, 2011

Smartphones could be used to provide instantaneous online updates of court proceedings but the federal court administration sees dangers in allowing smartphones in court buildings. The Administrative Office of the Courts want to ban smartphones not just because they could conceal non-metallic bombs but also for the potential harm to court proceedings through secret recording. The office issued an 8-page memo on the topic saying, “Reasons above and beyond terrorism to restrict the devices from

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‘Girls Gone Wild’ suit allowed to proceed anonymously

donal brown February 3, 2011

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled that plaintiffs could remain anonymous in suing video creator Joe Francis for filming them while they were underage engaging in nudity and sexual acts. -db The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press February 2, 2011 By Derek Green Several women suing the creator of the “Girls Gone Wild” video series will be allowed to proceed anonymously in the case, after a panel of the U.S. Court of

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California court considering gag order in shopping mall arson

donal brown December 16, 2010

The district attorney in Roseville is asking a court for a gag order in an arson case. They claim the order is needed to ensure a fair trial whereas those against the order say it would prevent information from surfacing that would clear up misperceptions about the case. -db The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press December 15, 2010 By Derek Green A California state court in Placer County heard arguments Tuesday on a

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