Open Court Records - Stop AB 418
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Categories: Civil Liberties & Privacy, Consumer Protection, Corporate Accountability , Penal Reform, Economic Fairness, Ethical Government, Civil Rights, Immigration
Categories: Civil Liberties & Privacy, Consumer Protection, Corporate Accountability , Penal Reform, Economic Fairness, Ethical Government, Civil Rights, Immigration
There is currently a bill, AB 418 that proposes closing the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Records website from the public.
A Dem authored bill, it claims that discrimination is being made, by landlords and employers who use the information, from this open records website.
I disagree.
The first page of that court website has disclaimers and warnings about the use of information, derived from court records...and anyone must agree to that rule before being given access to the records.
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl
I understand the concern about discrimination, and I also think that is does occur, albeit- rarely. What I feel is a better solution, is providing convicts with a resource; that shows them the proper, and legal means, by which they can have their records and convictions expunged, removed and cleared.
Every court is capable, and willing, to allow everyone to rehabilitate themselves, and provides a means by which they can clear their records.
Even the worst offenses can obtain a pardon.
This bill, AB 418, does not address that process.
Instead, it removes, from public view, all the records, by which those who HAVE NOT rehabilitated themselves can hide behind.
I am sure many landlords, and employers have found people, who have not admitted to their crimes, given false addresses and other misleading information, when applying for housing or employment.
If an applicant has provided false information, then that should be confronted, and the applicant can either pay the fees for a more thorough background check, which is a service that has been available for decades; or rescind the application.
This website aids in finding the truth, for some persons...and suggests that if information is wrong, they should pursue it with the applicant.
You can only take a person's word...so far.
This is a free service, of records that are already public...they should not be restricted because, a discrimination MIGHT occur.
It is the responsibility of those accused to defend themselves in the face of discrimination. This bill does not provide anything to aid in that defense...which is where I believe the real issue lies.
There should be more accessible information on how to remove a criminal record.
This process is available, but not as widely known.
The records check, as proposed in this bill, would be required to be done for a payment, to a third party, who would have access.
The bill proposes that only registered press, lawyers and police have access to the records.
They are going to provide this information for free?
This is unacceptable, as the website affords all of us; an accurate look into a person' legal past, from which we can garner a more educated opinion, to take a next step in screening of applicants for anything; whether it be jobs, credit, housing, etc.
There is no means by which, the authorized 'records' viewer' cannot influence the paid report. It adds another 'opinion' to the factual data needing clarification, if limited to a chosen few, privileged enough to view those records.
The AB 418 bill is back in the Corrections & Courts Committee, whose link is right below this line. Please contact them and voice your opinion.
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/CommPages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Corrections+and+Courts&HOUSE=Assembly
Or contact your Assembly Representative and let them know.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly
A Dem authored bill, it claims that discrimination is being made, by landlords and employers who use the information, from this open records website.
I disagree.
The first page of that court website has disclaimers and warnings about the use of information, derived from court records...and anyone must agree to that rule before being given access to the records.
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl
I understand the concern about discrimination, and I also think that is does occur, albeit- rarely. What I feel is a better solution, is providing convicts with a resource; that shows them the proper, and legal means, by which they can have their records and convictions expunged, removed and cleared.
Every court is capable, and willing, to allow everyone to rehabilitate themselves, and provides a means by which they can clear their records.
Even the worst offenses can obtain a pardon.
This bill, AB 418, does not address that process.
Instead, it removes, from public view, all the records, by which those who HAVE NOT rehabilitated themselves can hide behind.
I am sure many landlords, and employers have found people, who have not admitted to their crimes, given false addresses and other misleading information, when applying for housing or employment.
If an applicant has provided false information, then that should be confronted, and the applicant can either pay the fees for a more thorough background check, which is a service that has been available for decades; or rescind the application.
This website aids in finding the truth, for some persons...and suggests that if information is wrong, they should pursue it with the applicant.
You can only take a person's word...so far.
This is a free service, of records that are already public...they should not be restricted because, a discrimination MIGHT occur.
It is the responsibility of those accused to defend themselves in the face of discrimination. This bill does not provide anything to aid in that defense...which is where I believe the real issue lies.
There should be more accessible information on how to remove a criminal record.
This process is available, but not as widely known.
The records check, as proposed in this bill, would be required to be done for a payment, to a third party, who would have access.
The bill proposes that only registered press, lawyers and police have access to the records.
They are going to provide this information for free?
This is unacceptable, as the website affords all of us; an accurate look into a person' legal past, from which we can garner a more educated opinion, to take a next step in screening of applicants for anything; whether it be jobs, credit, housing, etc.
There is no means by which, the authorized 'records' viewer' cannot influence the paid report. It adds another 'opinion' to the factual data needing clarification, if limited to a chosen few, privileged enough to view those records.
The AB 418 bill is back in the Corrections & Courts Committee, whose link is right below this line. Please contact them and voice your opinion.
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/CommPages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Corrections+and+Courts&HOUSE=Assembly
Or contact your Assembly Representative and let them know.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly
