Group accuses Missouri Supreme Court of violating Sunshine Law
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Group accuses Missouri Supreme Court of violating Sunshine Law

Date: April 21, 2009
By: Brian Jarvis
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: The Supreme Court of Missouri has the power to decide law. But do Missourians have the right to read the Supreme Court's emails?

Brian Jarvis has more in Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:36
OutCue: Watchdog group Better Courts of Missouri, or BCM, says the state Supreme Court violates the Sunshine Law. BCM Executive Director James Harris says the Supreme Court denied a public records request for its emails.  
Actuality:  HARRIS2.WAV
Run Time: 00:10
Description: "I don't know if they're hiding something, but when you're denying the public information, that's a problem. The courts are not here to serve lawyers. They're here to serve all Missourians."

Harris said he won't give up and is considering legal action.   The Supreme Court Clerk says the records don't relate to the function of the courts.  From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.
Intro: The Supreme Court of Missouri stands accused of violating the Sunshine Law. 

Brian Jarvis has more in Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:36
OutCue: SOC

Better Courts for Missouri, or BCM, ran into a brick wall when the watchdog group asked for the state Supreme Court's email records. 

BCM Executive Director James Harris says the public has a right to know.

Actuality:  HARRIS3.WAV
Run Time: 00:15
Description: "Because they're handling things that impact the lives of every Missourian, and that's why people should care about this. They are held to a higher standard, they really need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and set the example for others to follow as it relates to transparency and openness."

Harris says he won't stop until he has the records.

The Supreme Court clerk says it is not obligated to provide them.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.