More closed public records proposed by judges

A new method by which Ohio judges may hide court records is about to become official policy.

An article in the Columbus Dispatch tells how Ohio judges are dishing up a set of rules that chips "away at the current openness of court records by allowing parties to a case to request privacy if releasing the records could:
"• Lead to injury of individuals.
"• Jeopardize privacy rights and interests.
"• Compromise proprietary business information.
"• Harm public safety.
"• Threaten the fairness of judicial processes."

That covers almost anything, can be interpreted however any judge sees fit, and be used to hide whatever is desired and for whatever reason.

All this is courtesy of Supreme Court's Commission on the Rules of Superintendence for Ohio Courts. Thirteen of the commission's 20 members are judges.

Here we have yet another case of yet another group of public employees who are employed as keepers of public records and who are now saying they should and will decide whether citizens may know what they're doing and to whom. Public scrutiny - essential for fair and honest government, including the courts - is taking a hit.

Anybody who cares in the least about open government needs to read this Dispatch article. Public comments will be received through December 19th by writing to Jo Ellen Cline, legislative counsel, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., 7th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, or clinej@sconet.state.oh.us.