Research on Secrecy in the Courts

Anti-Secrecy Statutes and Court Rules by State

April 2007 — An overview of state statutes to make public documents important to the public safety. This guide should not be used as a primary source on state statutes. For the best information, you should contact the trial lawyers association in your state.   [ Download State Guide ]

Key Findings of the Federal Judicial Center's Study on Sealed Settlement Agreements

June 2004 — Approximately 40% of cases with sealed settlement agreements have at least one of the features that might make them important to the public interest. The features looked at included environmental, product liability, professional malpractice, public party defendant, death or permanent disability and sexual abuse. Read more.

Past Reports & Studies on Secrecy in the Courts