8: Chris Dickerson on the Reduction in Online Access to West Virginia Court Records

The American Legal Record Podcast

Chris Dickerson, editor of the West Virginia Record, joined the American Legal Record Podcast to discuss the reduction in transparency and access to court records in West Virginia.

• Chris Dickerson's Experience and Concerns: Chris Dickerson, a seasoned journalist with 19 years of experience covering the West Virginia court system, discussed the significant reduction in online access to court records. From having access to 41 counties' records online in 2004, it has dwindled to just one in 2024, with an impending total loss of online access. This change severely impacts his ability to cover cases and the public's right to information.

• Statewide E-Filing System and Its Implications: The introduction of a statewide e-filing system, intended to centralize and streamline access to court records, paradoxically led to a decrease in public online access. As counties transitioned to this new system, their records became inaccessible online, limiting access to physical courthouse terminals.

• First Amendment Concerns and Public Access: Dickerson discussed the critical role of technology in ensuring transparency and access to court records, arguing that the current situation in West Virginia violates First Amendment rights and the public's ability to obtain information, which is fundamental to the judicial system's openness.

• Future Actions and Industry Impact: The podcast concludes with Dickerson's commitment to investigating and reporting on the accessibility of court records in West Virginia and beyond. He plans to compare access across states and engage with legal professionals, lawmakers, and other journalists to address these transparency issues, despite the challenges posed by the current lack of online access.