Uncovering Truth: Emails as Government Records, Always Were

Earlier this month, Mountrail County State’s Attorney Wade Enget recently declined to prosecute the deletion of former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s emails, sparking debate over the classification of emails as government records.

Enget’s conclusion that emails weren't considered "government records" under state law in 2022 drew criticism, given the broad definition of a "government record."

While subsequent legislative amendments explicitly included emails in the definition, Enget's interpretation overlooked existing statutes and attorney general opinions.

Despite efforts to hold individuals accountable, reluctance from authorities suggests a lack of interest in pursuing criminal charges.

The controversy underscores the importance of clarifying legal definitions and ensuring accountability in government operations.