Wisconsin State Journal v. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

This is a mandamus action commenced under the Wisconsin public records law, secs. 19.31-19.39, Stats. The University of Wisconsin-Platte-ville and William Chmurny (defendants) appeal a trial court judgment granting a writ of mandamus compelling them to allow the Wisconsin State Journal and Terry Shelton (plaintiffs) access to documents compiled in a faculty investigation. The trial court concluded that the records custodian had not stated with sufficient specificity his reasons for denying the plaintiffs access.

We conclude the custodian stated his reasons for denial of access with the…