Civil court access standards strong despite high court inaction

Article Abstract:

The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to review a ruling of the North Carolina Supreme Court denying public access to a civil proceeding without giving the media the chance to object is discussed. Court rulings upholding the right of public access to the criminal courts are analyzed.

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Contempt findings over sealed records reversed

Article Abstract:

A 4th Circuit ruling in Ashcraft v. Conoco, Inc. that the Wilmington Morning Star and one of its reporters were not guilty of civil and criminal contempt of court for publishing information it confirmed by their review of a court document under seal is discussed.

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Lesser standard allowed for gag orders on parties

Article Abstract:

The 5th Circuit ruled in United States v. Brown that a trial court could impose a gag oorder on parties whose comments outside the courtroom had a reasonable likelihood of undermining a fair trial. This represented a less restrictive standard for gag orders affecting trial participants.

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