article_snippet: The Staten Island judge's ruling cited a handful of rare instances where New York courts authorized disclosure, but only to specific parties for specific reasons — not out of the public interest.
article_snippet: For example, a 2012 appeals court ruling authorized release of bank records from a grand jury proceeding to someone seeking a civil judgment against the United Arab Emirates.
article_snippet: Another ruling in 1978 turned over witness statements to state police for disciplinary proceedings.
article_snippet: A 2001 decision even gave the son of a defendant in a decades-old murder case access to grand jury minutes to use for a movie script.
article_snippet: But A 2001 decision comes amid an ongoing debate over whether the laws need revisions promoting more transparency, particularly when A 2001 decision involves police shootings.
article_snippet: The judge agreed that the argument 'is particularly cogent in 'high publicity cases' where the witnesses' truthful and accurate testimony is vital.'
article_snippet: Garnett wrote: 'It is in such notorious cases that witnesses' cooperation and honesty should be encouraged — not discouraged — for fear of disclosure.' '
article_snippet: Justice Garnett said that secrecy is especially vital in 'high publicity cases'.
article_snippet: Justice Garnett has essentially sanctioned the use of a secret trial for a very public matter.
highlights_snippet: Testimony had previously been given to help someone with movie script .
  