Author: Dean Robb <PCEasy@norfolk.infi.net> at Internet
Date: 3/13/0 08:31 PM
Priority: Normal
BCC: citation at AO-OCPPO
TO: citation@ao.uscourts.gov at Internet
Subject: Westlaw Copyright commentary

     It is contrary to the very concept of a free nation to charge 
for access to open court documents and decisions. What West is doing 
is the equivalent of selling tickets to sit in the gallery during a 
trial. Currently, unless one is present in person or watches the 
entire proceedings on Court TV, one cannot know of judicial decisions 
and actions that could affect them . . . yet they are expected to act 
as if they are aware.

     Imagine the outcry if the public were forced to pay for the 
privilege of knowing what Congress does . . . or their State 
legislature . . . or their City Council. In the end, it comes down to 
precedence: does West's right to make money outweigh the right of the 
citizen to access public information in a free society?