Letter to the Editor: Full disclosure should apply to attorney general, too

The Delaware State News reported June 4 that Democrats in the General Assembly filed legislation “to increase transparency and engage members of the public impacted by the justice system.” An additional goal of the proposed legislation is to “provide the public with a variety of previously undisclosed information.”

If Democrats are genuinely interested in transparency and full disclosure, why don’t they also file legislation to require that the state attorney general make available, in clear, concise form, information about the disposition of criminal cases in Delaware? Since the state seems to have a website for everything else, why not add one to allow the public to easily track cases from arrest through arraignment, pretrial motions, plea or trial and sentencing?

Thanks to the State News and other media, Delawareans receive comprehensive information about efforts by the Delaware State Police and local law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and arrest suspects.

But, with rare exceptions, we know nothing about what transpires as cases move through the courts. Were charges reduced, consolidated or dismissed? Was there a plea bargain? Was there jail time for serious offenses?

If Democrats really want Delawareans to be well informed about the criminal justice system, they should require openness on the part of the attorney general, as well as law enforcement. Well-informed voters may make better decisions.

Peter Harrigan

Rehoboth Beach