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Debate Over Opening Up Electronic Court Docs in Maine

Debate Over Opening Up Electronic Court Docs in Maine

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  The possibility of allowing electronic access to court documents in Maine has opened up a debate over public information rules.

Currently few court records are available online other than Maine Supreme Judicial Court rulings. Maine’s high court wants public input on plans to allow electronic access to court documents. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hold a hearing June 7.

Maine’s judicial branch has announced a 10-year, $15 million contract with Tyler Technologies to computerize Maine District, Superior and Supreme Judicial courts. Implementation could start next year.

It’s unclear whether the public will have much access.

Maine media and transparency groups argue that the documents should be made public while maintaining people’s privacy through redactions and other steps.

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