Open government is a foundational pillar of democracy which is reflected in New Mexico's public records laws. The courts have made clear that governmental entities may not escape their duties to the public to provide access to public records by simply contracting their public roles and responsibilities to a private entity. The New Mexico courts have also made clear that such private entities have a clear legal duty to provide records under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). The New Mexico Corrections Department, Management and Training Corp., and the GEO Group are seeking to circumvent these laws by withholding records that the public should have access to. Rothstein Donatelli has a record of fighting for government accountability and in this case, alongside the Human Rights Defense Center, will continue to challenge those entities attempting to keep the public in the dark on issues concerning fundamental rights and misconduct by those carrying out public functions.

 For more on this story, read this SF New Mexican article, and the Human Rights Defense Center press release.