Bristol Palin fails to keep custody case under covers

She had requested for a gag order to be secured with the case, so as to keep the proceedings private, which, according to Palin, would be in the best interest of her son. No good "could result to the child by an onslaught of media,” read the application, submitted by her.

Privacy refused
However, Palin’s request met a blunt rebuttal, as last week, a Superior Court judge ruled against keeping the case confidential.

The child’s father Levi Johnston had insisted the case be discussed publicly as he feared the former Governor had greater chances of being malicious if the proceedings were kept under wraps.

"I feel more comfortable in a public courtroom which will help everyone stay civil and be on their best behavior," said Levi Johnston, the 19-year-old father of Tripp.

Bristol: Sarah Palin not involved
Bristol had, however, maintained that her request for privacy was only for the good of her 1-year-old son and that her mother had nothing to do with it. Sarah Palin is not even involved in the matter, claimed Bristol. However, if the past records are anything to go by, the people would not buy that.

Bristol Palin had even accused her ex, Levi Johnston, of demanding publicity of the case for his own image management.

Johnston’s qualms about an unjust environment that could be created by the Palins were put to rest as Alaska Superior Court Judge Kari Kristiansen ruled in his favor.

Palin demands full custody of son
On Nov. 4, Bristol Palin had filed a petition in the court, demanding full legal and physical custody of her year-old son Tripp.

"Levi is not yet mature enough to take on significant parental responsibilities,” said Palin, who had created much uproar in 2008 with her teen-pregnancy and bold decision to have a baby at the age of 18.

“The best interests of the child compel the conclusion that Bristol should be awarded 100 percent legal and physical custody of Tripp, with visitation rights in favor of Levi," read the papers filed by Bristol's attorney Thomas V. Van Flein.

Palin and Johnston split in March 2009.

Sarah Palin’s daughter insists that she has already been providing complete care for her son, along with her family.

However, Johnston wants to share custody of Tripp. He has expressed a desire to do whatever he can, for his son, and Bristol Palin.

For the past few months Bristol has been working with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the Candie's Foundation, which aims at preventing pregnancy of teenage girls.