Washington Court Gives Attorney "Work Product" a Broad Definition

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The Washington Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, held that the Spokane School District may keep secret records from its investigation into the death of a school boy who suffered an allergic reaction while on a field trip. The majority agreed the documents were protected as attorney “work product.” The court also said agencies can challenge records requests in court before releasing information. The court minority said the decision was effectively a judicially created nondisclosure act. (12/28/07)