"Once the Cat Is Out of the Bag, the Ball Game Is Over."
More than just a mixed metaphor -- it's a legal doctrine.
Right of Access
Man Sues Anti-Homosexuality Group for Libel, Loses, Unsuccessfully Tries to Seal Court Opinions
The plaintiff had pleaded guilty to, among other things, having sex with a minor (apparently when he was 21 and the minor was 15); the alleged libel stemmed from, among other things, reports of that crime.
No Preliminary Injunction, No Pseudonymity, No Sealing in Internet Libel Case
That's what a New York trial court decision just posted online today held -- correctly, I think.
When Should Plaintiffs Be Able to Sue Anonymously?
(1) If they're alleging sexual abuse. (2) If they're alleging they were libeled as sexual abusers. (3) Both. (4) Neither.
Application to Release Grand Jury Material Quoted in Mueller Report
Since I've been blogging today about public rights of access to sealed files, I thought I'd pass this along.
