I. Introduction: Access rights in the jurisdiction

Overview

1st Cir.

The First Circuit, which is comprised of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island, recognizes the First Amendment and common law presumptions of access. The public's right of access attaches to decisions “of major importance to the administration of justice.” In re Globe Newspaper Co., 729 F.2d 47, 52 (1st Cir. 1984). However, there is no “special access to information” given to the press that is not shared by members of the public. United States v. Maldonado-Norat, 122 F.Supp.2d 264 (D. Puerto Rico 2000).