MODIFICATION REQUEST FOR LEGAL NEWS
Removing court records from the internet can be a challenging task. In cases where a court case has received significant publicity, social media shares, screenshots, or news reports may have disseminated the information further. To address this issue, the recommended course of action is to have the court records initially sealed or expunged. Once this step is completed, it is advisable to engage the services of an experienced attorney to assist in approaching relevant websites and requesting the removal of the court records.
It is crucial to acknowledge that court records are generally regarded as public records, and the principle of open access to court proceedings plays a significant role in fostering transparency and accountability within the legal system. In numerous jurisdictions, court records are accessible to the public, including the media, and any alteration or removal of information from these records may be subject to legal restrictions or necessitate a court order.
Consulting a legal professional or an expert specializing in the applicable jurisdiction is advisable to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific laws and regulations governing the redaction or removal of names from court records in a particular case.
“THE VILLAGE REPORTER” POLICY
Every published news story dating back to the 1870s in the local Northwest Ohio region serves as a historical record. “The Village Reporter” and the media, in general, make dedicated efforts to preserve history, regardless of whether it is perceived as positive, negative, or otherwise.
Nevertheless, it is recognized that many individuals strive to steer their lives in a positive direction, and finding their name displayed on a website, highlighting past mistakes, can be counterproductive. As a policy, “The Village Reporter” adheres to the discretionary decisions made by judges in legal matters. Although not mandated by law, if a judge orders the expungement or sealing of a record, effectively removing the information from court records, the newspaper will consider the possibility of removing such records on a case-by-case basis, at the Publisher’s discretion.
It should be noted that expunged and/or sealed records are not entirely eradicated. For instance, background search companies store website information, regardless of any modifications. Additionally, printed editions of newspapers are permanent and are utilized by historical centers and universities for documenting local records. In general a “clean up” internet search and court record system does not eliminate the snapshot of history that took place in the past.
If you wish for “The Village Reporter” to evaluate the modification or removal of an online story, please send an email to publisher@thevillagereporter.com, providing supporting documentation of the expungement and/or sealing of the material. This may include a letter from an attorney, prosecutor’s office, judge, and/or court documentation demonstrating the expungement/sealing of records.