Q: Is it legal for the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office to redact the Identification Data Sheets?
Parents are uniformed concerning who the person is on the Identification Data Sheet, is there a way to get the document unredacted in the interest of full disclosure and transparency?
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A:
In Michigan, the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office may redact information from Identification Data Sheets for various reasons, including privacy concerns or ongoing investigations. It's important to understand that these redactions are typically made in accordance with Michigan's laws and regulations regarding the handling of sensitive information.
If you are seeking unredacted information, especially in a situation where parents are uninformed about the identity of a person on such a document, it may be possible to request this information. However, the ability to obtain unredacted documents can depend on your relationship to the deceased and the nature of the information redacted.
You can start by formally requesting the unredacted document from the Medical Examiner's Office. If your request is denied, or if you feel the redactions are unjustified, you might consider consulting with a lawyer who is familiar with public records laws in Michigan. This lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of appealing the decision or seeking the information through legal channels.
Remember, each case is unique, and the access to unredacted information will depend on the specifics of the situation and the applicable laws. It's crucial to approach this with a clear understanding of your rights and the legal framework governing such matters.
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