Challenge 2 Being An Investigative Journalist In Jamaica: Accessing Divorce Information

I don& #39;t understand the legal basis for lack of access. Can& #39;t find in the Civil Procedure Rules. Anyone?

This might sound like it should be none of my business,
@yaneekpage
@Delroychuckjm

but this lack of access inhibits a journalist& #39;s ability to report accurately on whether persons are still married or even whether nepotism or cronyism is at play when you get a tip about a married couple with different last names benefiting from the public purse.

A new book "Newsroom Law, A Legal Guide For Commonwealth Caribbean Journalists" (attached) says in general we should have access unless court intervenes.

And yet the court told me a blanket: Only the attorneys and the parties themselves may request copies of matrimonial matters.

"No aspect of divorce proceedings are open to viewing by the public."

When I asked for the rule that supports that position, no response.
@transformjustjm

I can easily get a marriage certificate showing the union but can& #39;t get info on whether persons are divorcing? How come?

Even if you just want to know if a divorce has been filed without viewing documents? Not understanding the logic.
So we& #39;re to report that we think the persons are married? This opens us up to errors. We need to look at access for journalists.