August 15, 1997



Mr. Dwight S. Wood, President
Council of Superior Court Clerks
P.O. Drawer 1275
Gainesville, Georgia 30503-1275

     RE: Superior Court Docket Sheets

Dear Mr. Wood:

     The Georgia First Amendment Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to advance open government and freedom of information in Georgia through education and advocacy.  The Foundation teaches officials and the public about the First Amendment and state laws aimed at assuring public access to government.

     It has been brought to our attention that the superior court clerks' offices of several counties have recently refused to provide public access to and copies of the computerized docket sheets maintained by the clerk's offices.  I have enclosed copies of correspondence to Clerks of Dekalb and Forsyth Counties which detail the problems encountered.

     We hope that these recent incidents are isolated events and do not represent a trend among the superior court clerks in Georgia.  Presumably, these incidents were not in any way sponsored or suggested by the Council of Superior Court Clerks.

     As a Foundation chartered to protect the public's right of information, we have a keen interest in the proper operation and enforcement of Georgia's open records law.  If the Council has in any way suggested to superior court clerks that computerized docket sheets are not public records or that copies or print-outs do not have to be provided, we would appreciate your clarification of why the Council feels that such a position is appropriate.

     Thank you in advance for your assistance.

                                                             Sincerely,



                                                             Hollie Manheimer
Enclosures
cc:  Board of Directors