Friday, May 25, 2007

Court Limits Disclosure of FLDS Leader's Papers

The Associated Press reports that in Salt Lake City, Utah yesterday, a federal judge rejected arguments by Warren Jeffs, former head of the polygamous FLDS Church, that his papers, seized by prosecutors, should be kept secret because they contain private communications and recorded religious revelations. Jeffs had argued that disclosing them violated his free exercise rights as well as his rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. However the judge ordered prosecutors to return the papers to Jeffs by July 2, and not to share them with anyone, including attorneys for the trust that now holds FLDS property and which is suing Jeffs.