Blog
ASNE joins amicus brief regarding court access
- By: ASNE staff
- On: 07/09/2015 11:21:56
- In: Amicus briefs
ASNE has joined 19 other media companies and organizations on an amicus brief filed in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (the highest "state" court in D.C.). The brief argues that a trial court improperly sealed records in a lawsuit brought by a family whose children were taken by the District's Child and Family Services Agency.
ASNE has joined 19 other media companies and organizations on an amicus brief filed in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (the highest "state" court in D.C.). The brief argues that a trial court improperly sealed records in a lawsuit brought by a family whose children were taken by the District's Child and Family Services Agency.
The Washington Post had moved to intervene in the case, but the trial court dismissed the underlying case without ruling on the motion to intervene. The Post renewed its motion to intervene but again received no answer, at which point it filed an appeal.
Our amicus brief, drafted by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, gives a nationwide view of the importance of access to court proceedings and documents even where sensitive issues involving children and families are in play.