On a motion in a proposed class proceeding, the moving party sought an order sealing specified portions of the responding record containing sensitive youth-related personal information, with alternative relief based on statutory privacy protections under the CYFSA and YCJA.
Applying the Sherman Estate framework and related appellate authorities, the court found a serious risk to an important public interest in protecting youth privacy and concluded narrower alternatives were insufficient.
The court held the salutary effects, including protection of dignity and trial fairness, outweighed the limited deleterious effect on the open court principle given the scope of the material.
An interim sealing order was granted on agreed terms, and the alternative statutory declaration was not decided.
