Resources for Legal Research on the Freedom of Information Act
Select Resources for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Legal Research on the Internet
Key government FOIA-related websites
Federal government’s central website for FOIA, including background information, agency FOIA data, agency contact information, and links for making FOIA requests
Department of Justice office that oversees agency compliance with FOIA and develops government-wide policy on FOIA
Office within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) that offers mediation services and is charged with identifying ways to improve FOIA compliance
FOIA Treatises and Guides
Detailed collaborative resource on FOIA provided by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
- Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act
Comprehensive discussion of FOIA decisions and administration from the perspective of the U.S. Department of Justice
Guide discussing how to use FOIA
2020 Congressional Research Service report providing an overview of FOIA
2012 House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform guide to using FOIA
2008 National Security Archive guide to using FOIA
State FOIA Resources
Compendium of information on every state’s open records and open meetings laws
Coalition of state freedom of information organizations
Key Statutes on Government Records
- The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552)
- The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. § 552a)
- Federal records management
- Records management by the U.S. Archivist and General Services Administrator (44 U.S.C. Ch. 29)
- Records management by federal agencies (44 U.S.C. Ch. 31)
- Disposal of Records (44 U.S. Ch. 33)
Litigation and Judicial Decisions
Department of Justice website containing summaries of FOIA decisions
Website with detailed information on FOIA lawsuits
Public Citizen Litigation Group FOIA cases, including complaints and briefs
Classification
Executive Order on Classified National Security Information signed by President Obama on December 29, 2009
- Department of Justice slides on National Security Classification and Exemption 1 of the Freedom of Information Act
OGIS resource comparing FOIA and the Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) processes and including descriptions of and links to NARA’s Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP), National Declassification Center (NDC), and the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB)
Archive of Federation of American Scientists’ Project on Government Secrecy, which, from 1991-2021, worked to promote public access to government information by seeking reform of national security classification and declassification policies
Legislative History
Legislative materials on FOIA compiled by the Department of Justice
Legislative materials on FOIA compiled by the National Security Archive, through the 2007 FOIA amendments
1974 source book compiled by Senate subcommittee containing materials on FOIA
1975 source book compiled by Senate subcommittee containing materials on 1974 FOIA amendments
Fees and Fee Waivers
Presidential Records
Executive Order on presidential documents signed by President Obama on January 21, 2009