Ala. lawmakes can use private e-mail as Palin did, judge rules

A Superior Court judge ruled that Alaska state law doesn't prohibit the use of private e-mail accounts to conduct state business, the AP reported.

This is why states must look hard at outlawing the use of private e-mail by elected officials to conduct public business. This is a fairly straightforward legislative fix, no? No g-mail to discuss public business! Note that the court here is all but calling for the legislature to fix this.

A judge ruled Wednesday the Alaska governor's office can use private e-mail accounts to conduct state business, as former Gov. Sarah Palin did.

Superior Court Judge Jack W. Smith said in his ruling there is no provision in Alaska state law that prohibits the use of private e-mail accounts when conducting state business.

The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Anchorage resident Andree McLeod, who contended such use of private e-mails denies citizens the right to inspect public records.

More here.
Also, Court: Palin's e-mail practices not a violation of open records law, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.