Unseal Records in Prudential Suit, New Jersey Appeallate Court Orders

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A New Jersey appellate court unsealed a class-action law suit against Prudential Insurance Co. and a mediation law firm, directing a trial court judge to open all records regarding allegations of sweetheart deals and redlining. It also said the court, not arbitrators, should decide the case. “The presumption of openness to court proceedings requires more than a passing nod,” the three appellate judges wrote. “Open access is the lens through which the public views our government institutions. It is essential to foster public confidence in the judiciary.” (5/11/06)