Public Records – Public Interest Balancing Test

By: Derek Hawkins//November 29, 2021//

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WI Court of Appeals – District I

Case Name: Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, et al., v. County of Milwaukee County of Milwaukee County Clerk, et al.,

Case No.: 2020AP2028-AC

Officials: Brash, C.J., Donald, P.J., and White, J.

Focus: Public Records – Public Interest Balancing Test

The Estate of Ceasar Stinson and Stinson’s spouse, Chipo Samvura (collectively, “the Estate”), appeal a circuit court order which restrains the Milwaukee County Sheriffs’ Office (MCSO) from releasing an internal affairs file. On appeal, the Estate argues that this is not “an exceptional case” in which the public’s strong interest in the disclosure of government records is outweighed by the public’s interest in keeping the records confidential. We agree with the Estate and reverse the circuit court’s order.

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Derek A Hawkins is Corporate Counsel, at Salesforce.

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