Maryland Limits E-Access to Witness, Victim Names in Court Files

· Story link

The Maryland Court of Appeals has issued a new rule limiting electronic access to information in court records about victims and witnesses. The new rule, which takes effect July 1, is in response to concerns about witness intimidation. There are also bills pending in the state legislature that would further restrict electronic access to court records. “We are as interested as anyone is in trying to protect people. But we are not in the business of privacy,” Chief Judge Robert M. Bell said in explaining the new rule. (3/8/06)