Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard final arguments regarding proposals to increase the amount of court records that are published online. Currently, court dispositions can be viewed online. But to see court records, such as criminal complaints or reports, one can only view them at a Minnesota courthouse, and must pay about $10 or more for printouts.
Proponents of greater court record publication argue this increases accountability and transparency. Researchers and reporters can use this information to investigate failures and effectiveness in our child protection and criminal justice systems. Opponents argue this infringes on privacy rights and compounds the stigma of having a criminal record. Many people with criminal records already have a difficult enough time finding jobs and apartments, and fear that greater publication of court records won’t help.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will make a decision “in due course,” or in other words, a couple months.
If you have a criminal record and are interested in an expungement, contact Brandt Kettwick Defense today at 763-421-6366.
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