Plea deals may no longer be public in Utah

The Daily Herald argues why public access to plea agreements are necessary as well as why retaliation fears are exaggerated:

We urge the federal court in Utah to refrain from adopting a new rule that would close public access to any plea agreements that reveal whether a defendant is cooperating with authorities.

The rule would strike at the heart of the public's right to know what has happened in a criminal case. It would diminish public trust in the judicial system and potentially lay the groundwork for abuse.

And it's unnecessary. The proposal addresses a fear that may be a mere chimera.

More here.