Arkansas Blog: Secret court?

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Secret court?

Morning News reports secret hearings have been held and motions placed under seal in the road rage death case, Circuit Judge Tom Keith presiding. I don't get it.

I'm happy to say a similar effort to keep the public out the public's business failed a while back in the Dirksmeyer murder case in Russellville, Special Judge John Patterson presiding. Open court is a cornerstone of our democracy, and not just because we pay to run them and elect the judges. I do not exaggerate.

Posted by Max Brantley on July 18, 2007 06:02 AM | Permalink

Comments

If there's THAT much concern about prejudice, isn't a change of venue more appropriate? Secrecy in court cases is NEVER a good thing.

Posted by: EY | July 18, 2007 10:17 AM

Secret trials are the type of things I used to hear about the evil communist Soviet Union.

That could never happen here!

Oh wait, we now have no trials and even secret prisons and torture is allowed (enhanced interigation).

Current reality sure doesn't mirror the "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" that I grew up with.

Posted by: Citizen home | July 18, 2007 03:30 PM

Does FOIA apply in criminal cases?

Posted by: Lwood | July 18, 2007 07:52 PM

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