Expose secret courts in your community
A great
story by The Benton County Daily Record in Arkansas demonstrates how judges have far too much discretion for sealing entire cases and even making their existence secret. Other newspapers from around the country have exposed how this practice hurts the public, particularly when it involves companies wanting to hide the fact their products harm or even kill consumers. See a
great series in 2006 by The Seattle Times about this issue. Also, see a
2003 report by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press on secret dockets. Then, check out the extent of secret court files in your community.