Pennsylvania lawsuit seeks unsealing of Mastriano"s Ph.D. thesis materials

In a recent legal case, Eugene Volokh, an emeritus law professor, sought to intervene in a lawsuit involving Pennsylvania Senator Douglas Mastriano. Volokh argued that the redaction of certain exhibits limited his ability to access court records, which he claimed was a violation of his rights. The case centers around allegations made by Mastriano against UNB professors, who he accuses of defaming him and causing significant harm to his professional and financial interests, including potential losses from book sales and speaking engagements. The court examined whether Volokh had established the necessary standing to intervene, focusing on the criteria of injury in fact, traceability, and likelihood of redress. Ultimately, the court found that Volokh's injury was concrete and traceable to Mastriano's actions, thus allowing him to proceed with his motion. Mastriano, on the other hand, contended that the exhibits contained highly defamatory statements that warranted their sealing. Despite Mastriano's claims of substantial losses, the court concluded that he did not meet the burden of proof required to justify sealing the exhibits. The judge noted that the information in question had already been made publicly accessible, which weakened Mastriano's argument for confidentiality. This ruling underscores the court's commitment to public access to legal documents, balancing the interests of individuals involved in litigation against the broader principle of transparency in the judicial process.