How did the justices vote on secrecy rules?
Who voted to conceal state court records?

By Nolan Clay

Published: March 14, 2008

The state's Supreme Court justices have been both praised and widely criticized since issuing new secrecy rules this week on court records. Justices say they acted to protect privacy rights and to fight against identity theft. Critics, including some lawyers and court clerks, say they went too far.

"We need more transparency in government, not less,” one critic wrote. "These records belong to the public and the judges should respect that.”

Under the new rules, court documents can no longer have such personal information as complete birth dates, complete home addresses and Social Security numbers.

Also, at least for a time, court pleadings will no longer be accessible over the Internet.

Because of the criticism, justices may adjust the rules before they go into effect June 10. "It's a work in progress,” said Vice Chief Justice James Edmondson, who disagrees with some of the policy changes. Here's a rundown on the justices and how they voted:

•Career: Winchester, 55, was appointed on Jan. 4, 2000, by Gov. Frank Keating. During his time as a district judge, he oversaw more than 200 jury trials including death penalty cases. His wife is state Rep. Susan Winchester. They live in Chickasha.

•How he voted: He voted for the rules. He said Wednesday they eventually might be loosened to allow court papers to be on the Internet again.

•Contact: His number is 521-3842.

• Career: Colbert, 58, was appointed on Oct. 7, 2004, by Gov. Brad Henry. He is the state's first black justice.

•How he voted: He voted for the rules. He referred questions Thursday to the chief justice.

•Contact: His number is 521-3843.

•Career: Hargrave, 83, was appointed on Oct. 10, 1978, by Gov. David Boren. He has been chief justice twice.

•How he voted: He voted for the rules.

•Contact: His number is 521-3847.

•Career: Watt, 61, was appointed on May 18, 1992, by Gov. David Walters. He was Walters' general counsel. He was chief justice 2003 to 2006.

•How he voted: He voted for the rules.

•Contact: His number is 521-3848.

•Career: Kauger, 70, was appointed on March 14, 1984, by Gov. George Nigh. She founded the Gallery of the Plains Indian in Colony and co-founded the Red Earth festival held in Oklahoma City.

•How she voted: She agreed with limits on personal information in court documents but strongly opposed restricting Internet access to court records. "In fact, this temporary ban will do little more than have the undesirable effect of limiting the public's access to public information to which it has become accustomed — and creating a stir,” she wrote in a dissent. "This is an egregious example of throwing the baby out with the bath water.”

•Contact: Her number is 521-3841.

•Career: Reif, 56, was appointed on Oct. 22, 2007, by Henry. He was a longtime judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals.

•How he voted: He voted for the rules.

•Contact: His number is 521-3846.

•Career: Edmondson, 63, was appointed on Dec. 2, 2003, by Henry. He was a district judge for 20 years before his appointment and is the brother of Attorney General Drew Edmondson.

•How he voted: He, too, agreed with some of the rules and disagreed with the rest. He said Thursday the rules could undergo changes.

•Contact: His number is 521-3830.

•Career: Taylor, 58, of McAlester was appointed on Sept. 23, 2004, by Henry. He is a former McAlester mayor and was a trial judge for 20 years. He presided in 2004 over Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols' state trial.

•How he voted: He opposed the new rules completely. He declined to elaborate on his opposition.

•Contact: His number is 521-3844.

•Career: Opala, 87, was appointed on Nov. 21, 1978, by Boren. Born in Poland, he fought in World War II before being captured in 1944 and sent to a concentration camp.

•How did he vote: He did not vote.

•Contact: His number is 521-3839.

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