The Missouri Broadcasters Association is among the parties filing a lawsuit, claiming a state law that requires extensive redactions in court documents is unconstitutional. The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson City, challenges a law passed last year that mandates attorneys and judicial officers redact the names of all witnesses and victims in lawsuits and criminal proceedings. Dave Roland with the Freedom Center of Missouri represents the plaintiffs. He says these restrictions severely limit the news media’s ability to monitor the judicial system, effectively harming the public. He adds the law also has cost implications.
He says the plaintiffs agree that in some situations – involving children, or sexual assault – names should be kept private. However, they contend that a blanket law to redact all names violates the Missouri and U-S Constitutions. G-O-P state Representative Justin Hicks of Lake St. Louis spearheaded the bill. A hearing date for the case has not yet been set.
For a Complete Look at All the Latest News Click Link Below