News media challenging sealed filings in Utah case
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By Laura Reid
The News media is fighting to open files sealed by the courts so that the press could not access them. These files deal with the mental competency of Brian David Mitchell, the abductor in the Elizabeth Smart case.
The courts sealed these documents, some of them without telling the press that they would be sealed, so that it would prevent the press from gathering more information on the case.
Michael O'Brien, the attorney in this case, believes that these files are in the public interest, and should not be sealed to the press. The press, he says, is the middle man for court proceedings for the public because not everyone is able to make it inside the court rooms.
The courts sealed these documents, some of them without telling the press that they would be sealed, so that it would prevent the press from gathering more information on the case.
Michael O'Brien, the attorney in this case, believes that these files are in the public interest, and should not be sealed to the press. The press, he says, is the middle man for court proceedings for the public because not everyone is able to make it inside the court rooms.
This is definitely a violation of the press's right, and the public's right, to access what would be considered public information. If it is on file, it is fair game. The News media has a right to these files, and the public has a right to know more about the case.
(Photo Credit: Penright)
