New Jersey judge considering records request suit

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union and the New Jersey state government are due in court to argue whether government records requests should be considered open public records.

Investigative reporters and government watchdogs often make such requests to learn what information others are seeking and what’s available.

But an open-government activist says Gov. Chris Christie’s office denied a request this year for copies of requests for documents related to lane closures that occurred last year near the George Washington Bridge.

The request was denied, as were others seeking requests made to other state government departments. The state says the documents are not subject to its open records law.

The ACLU sued on behalf of the activist, Harry Scheeler.

Court arguments are scheduled for Monday before a judge in Trenton.