Lawsuit: Court breaks law by denying access to records

ATLANTA (AP) — A lawsuit says a west Georgia court is illegally jailing people and then making it impossible to challenge their convictions by denying them access to their public court records.

The Southern Center for Human Rights filed the lawsuit last week on behalf of two poor women who recently served jail time after appearing in Columbus Recorder’s Court. It says the women want to challenge their convictions and probation revocations, but they’re unable to access court files that would allow their attorneys to properly investigate or decide on a course of action.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Keiona Wright and Elizabeth Harris King against the Columbus city government, the mayor and court officials.

City attorney Clifton Fay said his office is reviewing the suit and promised a vigorous defense.