Cohen v. Everett City Council

The broad issue we meet in this case is whether a trial court may order a court record sealed after deciding a case on the merits. Specifically, when the trial court has reviewed on appeal the written transcript of the proceedings of a city council in a license revocation action, may the court enter an order of confidentiality sealing the transcript? We hold that such order is improper under the facts of this case.

The Everett City Council instituted an action to revoke the city license of a sauna parlor operator, alleging violation of the governing ordinance. At the licensee’s request the…