A measure that gives crime victims the right to bar disclosure of information that could be used to harass victims or their families does not shield the release of police officers’ names when officers use lethal force to defend themselves, the state’s high court said. 

In a case closely watched by the news media, the Florida Supreme Court said on Nov. 30 that the constitutional amendment called Marsy’s Law does not contain a right for victims to remain anonymous. The Florida Police Benevolent Association sought an injunction to prevent the disclosure of two Tallahassee police officers’ names, touching off a legal battle that went all the way to the high court.

“Marsy’s Law guarantees to no victim – police officer or otherwise – the categorical right to withhold his or her name from disclosure,” the opinion written by Justice John Couriel said. “No such right is enumerated in the text of article 1, section 16(b) of the Florida Constitution.”