Reporter Wins Appeal to Force Release of Surveillance Orders

Electronic surveillance orders and related filings in closed federal investigations are subject to common law rights of public access, no matter how heavy the administrative burden may be, the District of Columbia Circuit court ruled Tuesday, reversing a lower court ruling.

Investigative journalist Jason Leopold and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press applied to unseal applications, supporting documents and court orders for Stored Communications Act warrants and orders, and Pen Register orders. Collectively, the electronic surveillance orders allow law enforcement to obtain different kinds of information via an application granted by a court.

Leopold argued the public had ...