Rise of the Machines: Justice Information Systems and the Question of Public Access to Court Records over the Internet

Authors

Gregory M. Silverman

Abstract

In the first half of the present Article, I introduce the reader to this technology (Part II) and its likely role in evolving justice information systems (Parts I and III). In the second half of the Article, I enter the debate over whether the public should be permitted access to court records over the Internet. After explaining the origins, history, and principal sides of this debate (Part IV), I argue, first, that when used properly, XML permits the public to have access to court records over the Internet while promoting public safety and protecting personal security (Part V) and, second, that the presence of discrediting and embarrassing facts in a case file does not justify limiting public access to court records over the Internet while permitting unlimited public access at the courthouse (Part VI).

First Page

175

Recommended Citation

Gregory M. Silverman, Symposium, Rise of the Machines: Justice Information Systems and the Question of Public Access to Court Records over the Internet, 79 Wash. L. Rev. 175 (2004).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wlr/vol79/iss1/12