Connecticut courts moving notices from newspapers to website

Ethics

The Connecticut court system will usher in the new year by moving required public notices to its

website and out of newspapers, citing lower costs and the potential to reach a wider audience.

Media representatives, however, believe the move will result in fewer residents being informed of

important legal matters and will be another blow to news companies already dealing with huge

declines in revenues. A single public notice can cost a few hundred dollars to run in a newspaper.

It's a concept that's been debated by government officials across the country, but so far one that

appears to have gained little traction amid opposition by newspapers.

“State government’s thirst for keeping information out of the public hands knows no bounds," said

Chris VanDeHoef, executive director of the Connecticut Daily Newspapers Association. “Every

branch of government in our state should be focused on getting information that is pertinent to

the citizens of Connecticut out in as many places possible ? not fewer.”

The Connecticut Judicial Branch has set up a legal notices section on its website that will go live on

Jan. 2, when it ends the requirement to publish them in newspapers.

“It is expected that this will save a great deal of time and expense, and provide greater accuracy

and broader notice than newspaper publication," the Judicial Branch said in a statement on its

website announcing the move.

Most of the notices at issue are intended for people involved in civil and family court cases, usually

defendants, who cannot be located because their current addresses are unknown. While a good

portion of the publishing costs are paid for by litigants, the Judicial Branch foots the bill for a large

number of people who cannot afford it, officials said.

Related listings

  • Bill Cosby sex assault verdict upheld; spokesman lashes out

    Bill Cosby sex assault verdict upheld; spokesman lashes out

    Ethics 12/05/2019

    Bill Cosby lost his bid to overturn his sexual assault conviction Tuesday, as an appeals court upheld the verdict in the first celebrity trial of the #MeToo era.In its ruling, the Superior Court affirmed the right of prosecutors to call other accuser...

  • Georgia high court won't stop vote on creation of new city

    Georgia high court won't stop vote on creation of new city

    Ethics 10/17/2018

    Georgia's highest court on Monday declined to stop voting in a referendum on whether a new city of Eagle's Landing should be created from part of the existing city of Stockbridge.The General Assembly passed two acts that were signed by the governor e...

  • The Latest: New Mexico court blocks straight-ticket option

    The Latest: New Mexico court blocks straight-ticket option

    Ethics 09/11/2018

    The New Mexico Supreme Court is blocking a ballot option that would have allowed voters to select candidates from one particular party in all races by marking a single box. The court made its decision Wednesday after listening to oral arguments ...

Any contracts or any transactions can go awry at any time

We know your business means a lot to you and want to understand all the aspects of your business so that we can help you in the best ways possible. We don’t discriminate depending on the size of your company. Our mission statement is to represent all business owners and entrepreneurs by navigating them through the rough waters of business litigation and guiding them to success.

We are attorneys who want to make sure we understand your business objectives and goals before we start providing you with legal counsel individualized to your business. We know what it means to be dedicated to your business. After all, we are a business as well. And just like you, we want to provide the best service we can to our clients.

Any contracts or any transactions can go awry at any time. Sometimes, making important business decisions without legal help from business attorneys could cost you your business.We don’t want you or your business to be misconstrued by anyone. Our attorneys make sure that we communicate with you often to make sure we are giving you the legal guidance you need at all times. We make sure we are responsive in a timely-manner with every single one of our clients to help them identify risks and prevent legal battles before they arise.