The news media outlets’ attorney Mike Tadych referred to a statute in the public records law, G.S. While such exceptions are not directly included in the public records law, the defense argued they still apply. “Although the Public Records Act provides broad access to public records, that access is not absolute because ‘the Public Records Act contains various exemptions,’” the motion for summary judgment read. Regardless of their location, exceptions and exemptions to the Public Records Act are construed narrowly.” But that might be what the public records law obligates it to do, Tadych said.