LOUISIVLLE, Ky. (AP) -- The Jefferson County attorney says he will promote a plan to open some juvenile court proceedings to the public.
Mike O'Connell told The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/Opuu7d) that Kentucky "is way behind the curve" when it comes to allowing access to juvenile court proceedings. He says the state has some of the strictest secrecy laws in the nation.
O'Connell said the recent case of a 17-year-old Louisville girl, who was in danger of being held in contempt for tweeting the names of two juvenile boys accused of assaulting her, prompted him to take action.
O'Connell said opening juvenile courts would ensure accountability and let a community know about violent crimes committed by juveniles. He says he is developing legislation for lawmakers and will seek sponsors for it.
