Court Opinion

ID: 9580280
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 22:03:43.591065+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:36:11.168442
License: Public Domain

Jordan, Justice,
dissenting.
I dissent from Division 1 of the opinion holding that the report here under consideration is a public record as defined by the statute. The statute provides that "records” shall be open for public inspection. Code § 40-2701. In my opinion this language is not broad enough to encompass all papers, notes, and writings of all description. A "record” is the official action taken by a board or agency which is designated to remain as permanent evidence of such action. Only memorials representing ultimate action "are, in a sense, public.” Sanchez v. Board of Regents of Eastern New Mexico University, 82 N. M. 672 (486 P2d 608, 611) (1971).
The documents here sought are merely written evaluations or opinions of an outside group of experts. Until acted on officially by university officials such material does not assume the status of a public "record” or writing.
I therefore dissent from the holding in Division 1 of the opinion and would not reach the questions presented in Division 2 of the opinion.
I am authorized to state that Justice Bowles and Justice Marshall join in this dissent.