A Missouri judge has invalidated significant portions of a state law that imposed sweeping redactions on court records, deeming it unconstitutional under both federal and state law.
Key Provisions Struck Down
Moniteau County Associate Circuit Judge Aaron Martin ruled on Friday that parts of the 2023 measure violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as provisions of the Missouri Constitution.
The law required the redaction of the names of all witnesses and victims in lawsuits and criminal cases, making it one of the most restrictive redaction measures in the country. Critics argued that the policy hindered transparency and obstructed access to essential public information, including details about homicide victims.
Restoring Transparency
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in May by organizations including the Missouri Broadcasters Association. Mark Sableman, attorney for the association, praised the decision, stating, “This ruling restores Missouri court filings to the way they have always been for centuries — transparent and open to the public, except for those unusual situations where there is a proven need for confidentiality.”
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the law’s restrictions had drawn widespread criticism from journalists, appellate lawyers, and advocates for open government.
Uncertainty Over State’s Next Steps
It remains unclear whether Missouri will appeal the ruling. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office, which would oversee an appeal, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Implications of the 2023 Law
The overturned provisions had significantly hampered public access to court records by mandating extensive redactions. Critics argued that such measures not only impeded transparency but also undermined accountability in legal proceedings.
Before the ruling, Missouri was regarded as having one of the most restrictive court record policies in the nation. Judge Martin’s decision has now reinstated traditional norms of openness in court filings, balancing public access with necessary confidentiality safeguards.
