The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) instructed the *Gainesville Sun* to cease publishing information about juvenile offenders, citing a misinterpretation of Florida Statute 985.04(2)(a). This statute aims to protect the confidentiality of juvenile records, but the *Sun* argues that its reporting focuses on broader systemic issues within the DJJ, not the private lives of individual offenders.
The DJJ’s general counsel, Simone Marstiller, asserted that any information identifying a minor within the juvenile justice system violates the statute, even without explicit naming. This interpretation contradicts the *Sun*’s understanding that the law prevents disclosure of confidential records, not the reporting of publicly accessible information.
The newspaper contends it has been meticulously reporting on the shortcomings of the DJJ, including inadequate care and abuse allegations, based on publicly available arrest reports, court hearings, and documents. They believe the DJJ’s action is an attempt to stifle critical reporting and shield the agency from accountability.
The *Sun* is challenging the DJJ’s interpretation, arguing it infringes on freedom of the press and the public’s right to know about the operations of a government agency. They maintain their reporting does not violate the law and serves the public interest by highlighting issues within the juvenile justice system. The newspaper is seeking clarification on the statute’s interpretation to ensure its ability to continue reporting on these matters.
find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-agency-tells-newspaper-halt-174522019.html