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Opinion

Opinion By: Jack Conway,Attorney General;Amye L. Bensenhaver,Assistant Attorney General

Open Records Decision

This matter having been presented to the Attorney General in an open records appeal, and the Attorney General being sufficiently advised, we find that the Henderson Circuit Court Clerk is not bound by the provisions of the Kentucky Open Records Act, and therefore did not violate the Act in the disposition of Christina Damrath's December 16, 2014, request for a copy of the final sentencing in Case No. 14-CR-00260. We believe that 98-ORD-6, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference, is controlling. Although she was not statutorily obligated to do so, the Henderson Circuit Court Clerk provided Ms. Damrath with the requested documents, and an accompanying explanation, at no cost to Ms. Damrath. We appreciate the Clerk's efforts.

Either party may appeal this decision by initiating action in the appropriate circuit court pursuant to KRS 61.880(5) and KRS 61.882. Pursuant to KRS 61.880(3), the Attorney General should be notified of any action in circuit court, but should not be named as a party in that action or in any subsequent proceeding.

LLM Summary
The Attorney General's decision concludes that the Henderson Circuit Court Clerk is not obligated under the Kentucky Open Records Act to provide documents requested by Christina Damrath, as supported by the precedent set in 98-ORD-006. Despite not being required to do so, the Clerk voluntarily provided the requested documents and an explanation at no cost, which the Attorney General appreciates. The decision allows for appeal in the appropriate circuit court.
Disclaimer:
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Requested By:
Christina A. Damrath
Agency:
Henderson Circuit Court Clerk
Type:
Open Records Decision
Lexis Citation:
2015 Ky. AG LEXIS 15
Cites:
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