Rule 4-202 Purpose

Intent:

To recognize the delicate balance of interests served by open and closed court records.

Applicability:

This rule applies to the judicial branch.

Statement of the Rule:

(1) This list of interests served by public court records is not exhaustive but is meant to illustrate the important objectives of open government:

(1) (A) to obtain information concerning the conduct of the public’s business;

(1) (B) to educate the public about the workings of government and the decisions being made on the public’s behalf;

(1) (C) to contribute to informed debate;

(1) (D) to hold public officers and employees accountable;

(1) (E) to increase public confidence;

(1) (F) to give notice of important claims, rights and obligations; and

(1) (G) to provide material for independent research on improving government policy.

(2) This list of interests served by non-public court records is not exhaustive but is meant to illustrate the important objectives protected by selectively closing court records:

(2) (A) to protect personal privacy;

(2) (B) to protect personal and public safety;

(2) (C) to protect a property interest that would be lost or devalued if opened to public view;

(2) (D) to promote the rehabilitation of offenders, especially youthful offenders; and

(2) (E) to protect non-parties participating in the court process, such as victims, witnesses, and jurors.