Access to some ND court records may be blocked

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Supreme Court has approved a new rule that could restrict Internet access to some criminal court records.

The rule says a judge may block Internet access when a defendant is acquitted or the charges dismissed.

Criminal defense lawyers say information on the Supreme Court's Internet site can make it more difficult for defendants to get jobs or rent apartments, even if they weren't convicted.

Bismarck media attorney Jack McDonald says the restrictions are "self-defeating." He says the rule will make the Supreme Court's Internet records less reliable than paper records at county courthouses.

Supreme Court Justice Dale Sandstrom opposed the rule. He says it will make more work for local court clerks. Sandstrom says it could force some businesses to rely on information brokers for court records.

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