Court rules prisoners not entitled to parole records

Monday, June 13, 2005 | 9:32 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that inmates are not entitled to know why they were denied parole or to other records at the state Parole Board.

The court said, "The parole board is not constitutionally required to provide (John) Witherow with a list of reasons he was denied parole."

Witherow, 55, is serving a life term for being judged a habitual criminal in Washoe County. The prison record indicates he is eligible to apply again in November this year.

Witherow said he has been denied release on two occasions and he has the right to documents in his file and any letters from persons opposing his parole.

The court, in a decision released Friday, said all information obtained by the parole board may be disclosed only to a judge, district attorneys or others entitled to receive the data.

The law, the court said, also says that certain information received by the board pertaining to the victim is confidential.

The decision upholds the ruling of District Judge William Maddox of Carson City.

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