Public Records Free Directory Blog

An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports that the American Bar Association  proposed resolutions and a bill in the Wisconsin Legislature are designed to restrict public access to criminal court records in Wisconsin and across the nation. One proposal urges local, state and federal governments to seal criminal case records which did not result in convictions, as well as sealing records of both misdemeanor and felony convictions after a specific period of time of law abiding conduct by the subject. Access would be restricted to court officials, law enforcement personnel, attorneys and accredited journalists. Opponents to these proposals, including freedom of information advocates, state that such laws would inhibit the media and the public’s ability to oversee the justice system, including law enforcement and prosecutor misconduct. Furthermore, much information on domestic violence issues may be hidden as many cases do not proceed to conviction due to unwillingness of victims to testify.