Newspapers appeal Earnhardt law on public records

(West Palm Beach-AP) -- Two Tribune Company newspapers are still challenging the constitutionality of a Florida law restricting access to autopsy photos. <br><br>The Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida

Friday, December 13th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(West Palm Beach-AP) -- Two Tribune Company newspapers are still challenging the constitutionality of a Florida law restricting access to autopsy photos.

The Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel have filed a brief with the state's 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach. A circuit judge upheld the law last July.

The law was passed following the death of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. It was championed by his widow Teresa, and blocks unauthorized people from viewing or copying autopsy photos.

The newspapers argue the law is too broad. They say it would restrict use of autopsy photos by medical examiners who want to use such photos for teaching purposes.

The law's proponents say it protects families from seeing their relative's autopsy photos published or placed on the Internet.