The Chicago Tribune reports:
Within its walls reside files that Cook County Circuit Court judges have ordered hidden from the public, something they have done hundreds of times since 2000.
It's Crook County.
Although state law requires that certain types of lawsuits must be sealed, a Tribune investigation has found that judges improperly removed others from public view, including cases involving a famous chef, millionaire businessmen and even other judges.
Who cares about the law?
The Tribune's review of cases found that judges regularly fail to give a reason in their written orders for sealing files; hide entire case files when they needed only to remove sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or home addresses; and that the sealing orders often remain secret despite state case law finding orders are public documents and "should not be kept under seal."
What could be more amazing than all of this? A news organization called the Chicago Tribune makes it into this story!
"Tribune Co. and the Chicago Tribune also were defendants in a court matter sealed in August 2008. Other defendants included the Chicago Cubs, which Tribune Co. owned at the time, and the Chicago White Sox. The plaintiff used a pseudonym, 'Jane Doe.'
No , this isn't a piece from The Onion : this is Crook County at its finest.
