Missouri Court Strikes Down Law Requiring Redaction of Witness and Victim Names

Cole County, Mo. (KFMO) - A Missouri judge has ruled a 2023 law requiring all court filings to redact witness and victim names unconstitutional.

Cole County Circuit Judge Aaron Martin's decision, issued Friday, declared the law violated the First Amendment and Missouri's "Open Courts" provision.

Chad Mahoney, President of the Missouri Broadcasters Association, called the ruling a victory for transparency. The MBA and others sued earlier this year, saying the law hindered public understanding of court cases.

Martin's ruling restores traditional access to court records, except in rare cases requiring proven confidentiality.