Lawsuit claims new court secrecy law is unconstitutional

A new Missouri lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a state law requiring secrecy in court filings. 

The law requires the redaction of all witnesses and victim names in court records, even for public officials and victims who have died. 

The lawsuit, filed by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, asks for the courts to overturn the law that was passed during the 2023 legislative session, citing concerns about transparency and media reporting on court proceedings. 

According to a Missouri Independent report, the association argues that the law violates the constitution’s requirement for open courts and the First Amendment free speech protections in the U.S. Constitution.