The Utah Supreme Court has issued a formal ruling on Amendment D, a controversial ballot measure that sought to change the state constitution regarding the retention of court records. The amendment, which was passed by voters in 2020, aimed to limit the retention period for court records to 30 years for most cases.
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court declared Amendment D unconstitutional, citing concerns about the potential impact on the administration of justice. The court determined that the amendment “would create significant barriers to justice for litigants and pose substantial threats to the functioning of our courts.”
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters of Amendment D argue that limiting the retention period for court records is necessary to protect individuals’ privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive information. However, opponents of the measure, including the Utah State Bar and the ACLU of Utah, applaud the court’s decision, stating that it upholds the integrity of the legal system and ensures transparency in the judicial process.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Amendment D has prompted calls for legislative action to address concerns about transparency and privacy in the retention of court records. Lawmakers are now tasked with revisiting the issue and working to find a balance between protecting individuals’ privacy rights and maintaining the public’s access to important legal information.
Overall, the formal ruling on Amendment D by the Utah Supreme Court has sparked a new debate on the balance between privacy and transparency in the legal system. It is clear that this issue will continue to be a topic of discussion among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public in the coming months.
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