Rule 21.2 Finding of Harm

A judge can only block public access to court records or proceedings if there is a very good reason. That reason must be that someone's privacy would be seriously hurt if the information became public.

The harm to that person's privacy has to clearly outweigh the public's right to know what happens in court. This is a high bar to meet. Courts are generally open to the public, and judges cannot limit that access just because someone would prefer their information stay private.