UK Supreme Court Rules on Transparency in End-of-Life Cases

Recent changes in Milwaukee County have highlighted the importance of transparency around death investigations. Previously, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office provided both basic demographic information and detailed narrative reports about deaths, which were crucial for journalists and the public to understand context and circumstances. However, a new policy now withholds narrative reports until investigations are complete, restricting access to timely, comprehensive information and raising concerns about diminished public oversight. This shift follows the retirement of a longtime operations manager known for promoting openness, and has prompted debate about the balance between investigative integrity and the public’s right to know. Journalists and advocates argue that limiting access to these reports impedes effective public scrutiny and the ability to track trends critical to community safety. The situation underscores broader issues of government transparency and accountability in matters of public interest.