The Arizona Supreme Court today ruled that only a judge has the final word on which documents maintained on official computers are private and which constitute public records. (Ruling)
"The ruling "leaves no doubt that a public official cannot simply pronounce the e-mail communications on a government computer system as purely personal without the public having an opportunity to challenge that pronouncement," said David Bodney, attorney for The Arizona Republic." reported by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
The case was the result as an effort to get the emails of suspended Pinal (AZ) County manager Stanley Griffis. He allegedly purchased guns and ammunition with public funds. But the investigation grew until, according to AZ Central, Griffis pleading guilty to six felonies, agreeing to pay over half-a-million dollars in restitution and the possibility of serving up to 51 years in prison.
The Republic asked for the emails to do an investigation and the country agreed to release them. Griffis then filed to block the release arguing that the emails were private. The Court said that Griffis claim was not sufficient to convince the court that the emails were not public records. So, now a judge must review them.
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