Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed by Congress in 1966 and amended in 1974. Based on the premise argued by Madison and Hamilton that openness in government will assist citizens in making the informed choices necessary to a democracy, FOIA creates procedures whereby any member of the public may obtain the records of the agencies of the federal government. You must know how to exercise your right to "open agency action to the light of public scrutiny." The ACLU has put out a publication that contains detailed information, instructions and sample letters designed to help you make an effective FOIA request. To access the ACLU’s guide and for answers to "Frequently Asked Questions", visit their website at: http://www.aclu.org/library/foia.html for the step-by-step guide that will serve you well. Also visit http://archive.aclu.org to see up-to the-moment information, news briefs and other resources on civil liberties issues.

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Copyright © 2008 Karen L. Russo - The Wrongful Death Institute & Forensic Science Associates. All Rights Reserved. These articles or pages may not be copied, transmitted, forwarded, reposted, or republished, in whole or in part, electronically or in any other format, without express written permission. This is not a solicitation for legal business. The Institute is not engaged in the practice of law. Mere contact through this website does not constitute a contract for representation. Wrongful Death Institute pages are designed and maintained by Four Boys Inc.