Judge denies request for documents' release

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/2129992

Judge denies request for documents' release
By MARY FLOOD
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday denied the Houston Chronicle's request that it order U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt to release sealed transcripts in an Enron criminal case and to stop holding closed hearings.

But the court left open the possibility that it might intervene if circumstances change.

Bill Ogden, the Houston-based attorney for the Chronicle, said the court's ruling is not altogether unexpected, but it's still disappointing.

"The 5th Circuit seems to be saying that it's OK to exclude the public from routine administrative matters in the courthouse. But if what was discussed is genuinely routine, why the secrecy?" Ogden said.


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"A friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Houston Chronicle's request was filed by USA Today, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Dow Jones, Gannett Co., the Associated Press and Forbes" All these Newspapers want access to the court records but they are locked up! What the hell is in them that has to be so secret! :bounce:

though they might "undermine" public trust in the criminal justice system, sometimes are necessary to try to reduce the sensationalism around it. I could see a lot of press reports coming out that might influence a jury pool unduly, or just be too sensationalist for anyone's good and for the defendant's right to a fair trial.

Maybe redacted transcripts could be provided in order to limit those factors though

but I am not allowed to view court transcripts for the Enron case? There is something wrong with this picture.

Great point! We have secrecy when it is opportune to Bush & company! :bounce:

:kick:

n/t