L. R. Prac. Sup. Ct. 2.19

As amended through August 22, 2024

Rule 2.19 - Sealing or Redacting Court Records

a.Request to Seal or Redact Court Records; Service. Any person may request that the court seal or allow the filing of a redacted court record for a case that is subject to these rules by filing a written motion, or the court may, upon its own motion, initiate proceedings to seal or allow the filing of a redacted court record. A motion to seal or allow the filing of a redacted court record must disclose in its title that sealing or redaction is being sought. The motion must be served on all parties in accordance with the applicable rules of service for the case type.

b.Hearing. The court may conduct a hearing on a motion to seal or allow the filing of a redacted court record.

c.Grounds to Seal or Redact; Written Findings Required. The court may order the court files and records, or any part thereof, to be sealed or redacted, provided the court makes and enters written findings that the specific sealing or redaction is justified by identified compelling interests that outweigh the public interest in access to the court record. The findings should include the following:

(1) there exists a compelling interest that overcomes the right of public access to the record;

(2) the compelling interest supports sealing or redacting the record;

(3) a substantial probability exists that the compelling interest will be prejudiced if the record is not sealed or redacted;

(4) the proposed sealing or redaction is narrowly tailored; and

(5) no less restrictive means exist to achieve the compelling interest.

L. R. Prac. Sup. Ct. 2.19

Added June 12, 2013, effective 7/1/2013.

HISTORICAL NOTES

Former Rule 2.19 was renumbered as Rule 2.18.