State Ex Rel. Hansen v. Schall

A few months ago, Julius Hansen, the relator, applied for an opportunity for his agent to inspect the books, papers and documents of the boards of selectmen and finance of the Town of West Haven, of which he was and is an inhabitant. The respondents, who are members of these boards, refused his request on the ground that the privilege of inspection was strictly personal and could not be extended to his agent, especially because the latter was a nonresident. The refusal raises the substantial question in the case which may be thus expressed: Is Hansen entitled to an inspection of the records…