ACLU Urges Florida Judges to Ensure Transparency in Foreclosure Proceedings

The Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, along with a number of news organizations and First Amendment advocates, issued letters Monday to Florida Chief Justice Charles P. Canady and Chief Judge Donald R. Moran of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, pushing for them to guarantee transparency and openness during foreclosure proceedings.

A press release from the ACLU cites a number of incidents in which reporters or members of the general public were barred or dissuaded from attending foreclosure hearings.

"Our organizations have received numerous reports that extraordinary barriers to access are preventing members of the general public, as well as representatives of the news media, from observing foreclosure proceedings in judicial circuits around the state," the letter reads.

The letter was also signed by the Florida Association of Broadcasters, the Florida Society of News Editors, the Florida Press Association, and the First Amendment Foundation.

Chief Justice Canady has responded to the letter:

I have received the letter and am deeply concerned about the allegations it makes. Today I am directing the Office of the State Courts Administrator to make recommendations concerning appropriate corrective actions," he stated.