(A) The Clerk shall keep a docket in such form and style as the Clerk shall determine. Actions shall be assigned consecutive file numbers. The entry of an order or judgment shall show the date the entry is made. The Clerk shall also keep, in such form and manner as the Clerk shall determine, a correct copy of every order, and judgment, whether appealable or not, issued or entered by the Court. The Clerk shall also keep such other books and records as may be required by the Court or as the Clerk shall determine is necessary for the orderly operation of the Court.

(B) Records of all proceedings before the Court shall be kept at the Tribal Court Administration Office under the supervision and control of the Clerk of the Court. All records are strictly confidential and maintained in a locked file cabinet, and shall be available for inspection only to the parties to the case, after a timely request. Juvenile Court records are only open to inspection by order of the Karuk Tribal Court upon a showing of good cause.

(C) Every nonparty person or agency seeking to inspect or obtain Court records must petition the Court for authorization.

The specific records sought shall be identified based on knowledge, information, and belief that such records exist and are relevant to the purpose for which they are being sought. The petition must be served on all parties. In determining whether to authorize inspection or release of such records, in whole or in part, the Court shall balance the interests of the parties to the Court’s proceedings, the interests of the petitioner, and the interests of the public. The Court shall permit disclosure of, discovery of, or access to Court records or proceedings only insofar as is necessary, and only if there is a reasonable likelihood that the records in question will disclose information or evidence of substantial relevance to the pending litigation, investigation, or prosecution. The Court may issue protective orders to accompany authorized disclosure, discovery, or access.

(D) The Court shall review the petition and grant or deny it, or set a hearing to consider the petition. The Clerk shall notice all parties of the hearing as in accordance with the means and timing requirements in KTC 3.10.080(A). If the Court determines that there may be information or documents in the records sought to which petitioner may be entitled, review of records shall be “in camera” (by the judge in chambers, and not recorded), and the judge shall assume that all legal claims of privilege are asserted. If, after in-camera review, the Court determines that some or all of the records may be disclosed, it shall make appropriate orders, specifying the information to be disclosed and the procedure for providing access to it.

(E) All hearings or other proceedings before a judge shall be recorded.

(F) If directed by the judge or if requested by a party, a Court-authorized transcriber shall prepare a transcript of the proceedings within such reasonable time after the hearing as the judge shall designate and shall certify that the proceedings have been correctly reported and transcribed. If directed by the judge, the authorized transcriber shall file the transcript with the Clerk of the Court. The transciption costs shall paid by the requesting party. [Res. 22-R-198 Att. A, 11/17/2022; General Order 19-001, 6/21/2019.]