16.04    Review of Sealed Files

  1. Unless otherwise specified on the written order, on an annual basis, the clerk of the court shall present for the judge's review, a list of all files, records or documents sealed by the judge. If the judge ordering the file, record or document to be sealed is no longer available, then the case shall be referred to the Chief Judge or his or her designee for review.
  2. The judge ordering the case, records or document sealed shall review the file to determine whether the case, records or document will remain sealed. A judge may unseal a case, records or document if a party fails to object to the unsealing within 30 days following written notice of the intent to unseal.
  3. For purposes of this rule, review of files sealed pursuant to statute or the Manual on Recordkeeping shall be exempt.



Signed:        10/91
Amended:    9/03