Scriven v. State of Georgia

Miller, Judge.

This appeal arises from the denial of J. S.’s unopposed petition to examine her sealed adoption records pursuant to OCGA § 19-8-23. J. S. appeals, contending that the superior court abused its discretion in denying her petition because she showed good cause to examine the records. For the reasons that follow, we find that the superior court abused its discretion in this case and reverse.

Trial court judges have broad discretionary powers with regard to the records of their courts, and this Court will not reverse the grant or denial of a petition to examine sealed records absent…