Judges and attorneys in American Samoa have been informed by the Chief Justice Michael Kruse that access to court files will now be limited; an order with immediate effect.
Justice Kruse says the change in open record policy is owing to the deterioration caused to court files and the brittle quality of paper in earlier files as well as theft of material in a number of Land and Title cases.
He says attorneys will only be able to view files of cases in which they are involved in and copies of documents may be made.
For the general public seeking access to court files, the individual must specify details of such records and copies will then be made.
Justice Kruse says no one will be allowed to rummage through a court file anymore.
