West Virginia

Overview

West Virginia

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A few specific statutes mandate certain proceedings be open or closed to the public. As in the case of specific public record statutes, discussed in the preceding section of this outline, these provisions may create a greater right of public access to particular proceedings.

The Freedom of Information Act applies to "any other body . . . which is primarily funded by [a] state or local authority." In 4-H Road Community Association v. W. Va. University Foundation, 182 W. Va.

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Overview

West Virginia

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The West Virginia Constitution does not contain a specific "shield" law provision. However, in Hudok v. Henry, where the state Supreme Court of Appeals articulated the qualified privilege for reporters, the state Supreme Court cited Article III, § 7 of the West Virginia Constitution, in addition to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Branzburg standard, as the bases for the qualified reporter's privilege. Article III, § 7 of the West Virginia Constitution states, in pertinent part: