New rules limiting secret lawsuit settlements in state courts are a victory for public health and safety.

The S.C. Supreme Court last week issued a ruling limiting, but not banning, such settlements, which have been routine in the past. Now judges must consider whether sealing the secret agreements would jeopardize the public's health or safety.

South Carolina's federal judges banned secrecy agreements last summer. U.S. Chief Judge Joe Anderson said such settlements probably prevented the public from knowing about Firestone tire problems or incompetent doctors.

The bans won't stop lawsuits from being settled outside court. But that is more appropriate than using the power of the court to enforce secrecy.

More openness will go far toward building public confidence in the justice system, and it will discourage wrongdoing.