A question from LegalXML-OASIS CourtFiling

[John Messing <jmessing@law-on-line.com>]

In New Orleans, I was tasked to contact the W3C XML encryption list or if that is not active any more, some of
the more knowledgeable members about technical issues involving encryption, for use with court orders in Blue.
Here is a draft for consideration and comment by the TC before I send it.
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I have been asked to pose a question to the xmlenc list. The LegalXML-OASIS CourtFiling TC is exploring the use
of XMLEnc
for redacting orders and pleadings or portions of orders and pleadings in cases where confidentiality is
required.

The questions are based upon the hypothetical example of an XML document which is treated as a binary and
converted to BASE64 encoding for transmission in an XML envelope or container. 

1. If it is to be encrypted, should XMLEnc or simply S-MIME encryption be used? 
2. Regardless of the answer to 1, should the BASE64 encoding precede the encryption, or the reverse? 
3. Does the answer to 2 change if only parts of the document are to be encrypted rather than the whole
document, and if so, in what way(s)?

Thanks for beforehand. Best regards.
etc.

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