Access to Juvenile Courts

State-by-state guide:

New Mexico

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-2-16(B) (1998): Delinquency hearings are open to the public, except where the judge, based on exceptional circumstance, finds it appropriate to conduct a closed hearing. The media may attend a closed hearing provided that they agree not to reveal information regarding the "exceptional circumstance" that resulted in the need for a closed hearing. The media shall also be subject to such enabling regulations as the court finds necessary for the maintenance of order and decorum and for the furtherance of the purposes of the Delinquency Act. Persons who are granted admission to a closed hearing and intentionally divulge information are guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-2-32 (1998): With regard to delinquency, all social records, including diagnostic evaluation, psychiatric reports, medical reports, social studies reports, pre-parole reports and supervision histories obtained by the juvenile probation office, parole officers and parole board or in possession of the department are privileged and are generally not available to the public. However, members of the public may inspect the above-mentioned records by order of the court and if the person has a legitimate interest in the case or the work of the court. Persons who intentionally and unlawfully release any information or records closed to the public are guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-2-33 (1998): All records concerning a party to a neglect or abuse proceeding, including social records, diagnostic evaluation, psychiatric or psychological reports, videotapes, transcripts and audio recordings of a child’s statement of abuse, or medical reports, that are in the possession of the court as the result of a neglect or abuse proceeding or that were produced or obtained during an investigation in anticipation of or incident to a neglect or abuse proceeding are confidential and closed to the public. However, the members of the public may inspect the above-mentioned records by order of the court and if the person has a legitimate interest in the case or the work of the court. Persons who intentionally and unlawfully release any information or records closed to the public are guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Furthermore, when a child’s death is allegedly caused by abuse or neglect, the child welfare department may release information about the case after consultation with and the consent of the district attorney.


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