Wyoming

Delinquency and dependency proceedings: Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, juvenile court proceedings are generally closed to the public in Wyoming. But individuals with a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court — a category of people that seemingly includes members of the news media pursuant to another statutory provision discussed below — may be admitted. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-6-224, 14-6-424 (2011).

Delinquency and dependency records: Juvenile court records generally are not available for public inspection. Id. §§ 14-6-239, 14-6-437. But this general rule of confidentiality does not apply to delinquency records if there is an adjudication of a delinquent act or the juvenile is being prosecuted as an adult for a criminal offense. Id. § 14-6-203. In addition, upon a finding that release of information would serve to protect the public health or safety or that due to the nature or severity of the offense in question, the release of information would serve to deter the minor or others similarly situated from committing similar offenses, the court may release the name of the minor, the legal records or disposition in any delinquency proceeding filed in juvenile court to the media or other members of the public with a legitimate interest. Id. § 14-6-240.

Restrictions on coverage: Wyoming law allows victims 11 years old or younger to testify about sexual offenses outside the presence of the defendant via video-recorded testimony. The statute does not specify whether the media and public may remain in the courtroom when this testimony is broadcast there, although it does state that videotapes that are part of the court record are subject to a protective order to preserve the privacy of the child. Id. § 7-11-408.