U.S. Judges in S.C. to Open Records

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina's 10 federal judges have agreed to stop sealing court-sanctioned settlements.

A rule in Michigan unseals secret settlements after two years, but no other federal court district has taken such a step, said Mary Squiers, a legal consultant who works with a national rule-making committee for federal courts.

"It's going to change the dynamic of settlements," Squiers said.

The new rule is set to take effect in the fall. Proponents hope it will increase public awareness of faulty products and other potential dangers, such as medical malpractice and Roman Catholic priests accused of child molestation.

The judges voted unanimously last week to take the action. Opponents say the openness could hamper the quick settlement of potentially long and complicated cases.

Secrecy can protect people who bring suits as well as the reputation of defendants, said Mills Gallivan, a Greenville attorney and president of the state Defense Trial Attorneys Association.

Gallivan said he would like to see federal judges keep the discretion they now have to seal settlements.