People v. John F.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Ira J. Raab, J.

"To unseal or not to unseal” the criminal court files of youthful offenders, "that is the question.” Applicant homeowners insurance carrier of the youths may not obtain certificates of disposition and plea allocution minutes from sealed criminal files for use in avoiding defense and indemnification in a civil action against the insured youths for negligent and willful assault and battery brought by the criminal action complainant. This is a matter of first impression.

In the within criminal proceedings, defendants John F. and Steven H. were charged with…