Rule 5-2 Confidentiality

When a case involves a child, courts must protect that child's privacy. If the case falls under the types listed in Rule 5-1(a) or (c), everyone involved has to use the child's initials instead of their full name. This applies to all documents filed with the court and to any written opinions the Court of Appeal issues.

The point of this rule is simple: keep the minor's identity out of public records tied to the case. Lawyers, court staff, and judges all need to follow this practice consistently, from the paperwork filed at the start of a case to the final written decision. Using initials instead of a full name helps shield the child from unwanted attention while the case moves through the appeals process.