RECORD

"The courts of this country recognize a general right to inspect and copy public records and documents, including judicial records and documents.”"

"The judiciary has long recognized that case file documents, unless sealed or otherwise restricted by statute or court rule, are available at the courthouse for public inspection and copying. The common law right and the presumption of public access to court records ‘relate to the public’s right to monitor the functioning of our courts, thereby insuring quality, honesty, and respect for our legal system.’"

"The public records law expressly states that "[i]t is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any person." § 119.01. Accordingly, the public records law "is to be construed liberally in favor of openness, and all exemptions from disclosure are to be construed narrowly and limited to their designated purpose."... "[W]hen in doubt the court should find in favor of disclosure rather than secrecy."... The governmental agency claiming the benefit of an exemption bears the burden of proving its entitlement to the exemption... An individual's reason for requesting a public record is irrelevant."