Photo Privacy Issues takes step backwards UPDATE: A judge allowed a student newspaper to challenge the sealing of the Dale Earnhardt autopsy photos and test the constitutionality of a new law that restricts access to such images. Circuit Judge Joseph Will said Thursday he wants to try to answer the many legal questions that remain on whether the public has the right to view autopsy photos. The NASCAR legend’s widow, Teresa Earnhardt, protested the decision. Allowing the challenge negates a compromise reached with the Orlando Sentinel to permanently seal the autopsy photos after an independent medical expert had viewed them and written a report, her lawyers argued. “Is she basically back to square one with her privacy rights?” Earnhardt attorney Judson Graves asked the judge. The judge responded, “Yes, I think so.”(AP/ESPN)(4-5-2001) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt’s widow appealed again to keep her husband’s autopsy photos private, fearing they will wind up on the Internet for everyone to see. “I want to let the NASCAR community and the people of Florida know just how much pain this ordeal is causing my family,” Teresa Earnhardt said in a statement released at Martinsville Speedway, site of Sunday’s race. (see full story on That’s Racin’/AP: Earnhardt’s widow seeks help in autopsy photo fight and Teresa’s comments at: `We just want it to end,’ Teresa Earnhardt says )(4-9-2001)
