Category: Civil Rights & Accessibility
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When Courts Release the Manual but Not the Map
The article discusses the implications of California Rule 10.500 for public access to court records, particularly in the case of People v. Smiel. It highlights how the Los Angeles Superior Court’s transparency efforts, while disclosing training materials, still restrict structural access. This raises questions about the necessary level of transparency in digital justice systems.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 14, 2025
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has acknowledged that it lacks written policies governing criminal affidavits and the authority of District Attorney Investigators. This absence raises significant concerns about legal standards, due process, and accountability in law enforcement, affecting both the public and defense processes within the county.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 14, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court held a significant hearing in the case of People v. Giselle Farias Smiel without public access or proper notification. Advocates, including ADA support personnel, were excluded. This breach of transparency undermines First and Sixth Amendment rights, as well as ADA Title II protections, raising serious legal…
California Bay News 