zlacker

What law would be violated? What law would one use to infringe freedom of speech to continue to publish these records as a private citizen? Failing all else, one can host outside the jurisdiction.

>>toomuc+(OP)
Records can be expunged, sometimes automatically per plea agreements. And yet these records would live on in this dataset.

>>psycho+p
I agree that that is a very valid concern. I’d hope the data is anonymized (even though I recognize anonymized data is not perfect).

>>toomuc+(OP)
It’s not always about flexing our rights when it comes at the expense of others. Sometimes it’s about treating others the way you would like to be treated. Even if you’re under no obligation to treat them kindly. Even if you’re entitled not to treat them kindly.

Surely there is a way to achieve the stated goal of the project without the collateral damage of exposing information that individuals might, for whatever reason, prefer not be published online.

>>jwilbe+I
You are also opening yourself up to severe defamation lawsuits by publishing any information that is incorrect.

>>chrisc+F4
How would that claim work unless one is shown to have altered a public record provided by a court? I’d think such a claim would be dismissed upon as much as one review of discovery if it’s shown that you lawfully obtained the records and otherwise didn’t tamper with said records.

Edit: or am I thinking of libel?

>>psycho+p
That has no impact on what a private citizen can publish. If someone assaulted someone 20 year ago but legally got the record expunged you are absolutely allowed to publish full page newspaper ads every day talking about the assault.

>>elliek+k2
Seeking accountability for those in positions of power, and those who abuse those positions of power, is not an activity I would define as flexing. It is our duty as both citizens and human beings.

I am sympathetic to minimizing collateral damage of the innocent, or even those without a chronic history of abuse (we should never be judged by the single worst day of our lives), but also believe in the vigorous application of sunlight on the nefarious.