The California Supreme Court released its opinion on Smith v. City of San Jose today, finding in favor of McManis Faulkner client Ted Smith, who made a California Public Records Act request for all communications related to a downtown San Jose real estate development. City officials claimed private devices were not covered by the Public Records Act and refused to produce City officials’ emails. In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court held that government emails and texts sent on private devices are public records.
Media Coverage
California Supreme Court Says Emails and Texts on Officials’ Private Accounts are Public Records
NBC Bay Area
3/3/2017
Court: Government Emails and Texts on Private Computers Must be Disclosed
Daily Journal
3/3/2017
San Jose: Government Emails on Personal Devices are Public Record, State’s Top Court Decides
San Jose Mercury News
3/2/2017
Calif. Justices Grant Open Gov't Win In Public Records Row
Law360
3/2/2017
Calif. High Court Extends Public Records Law to Personal Devices
Courthouse News Service
3/2/2017
San Jose: Government Emails on Personal Devices are Public Record, State’s Top Court Decides
Record-Bee
3/2/2017