The public's right to records
Return to the main Net Tour page.At the heart of investigative reporting is the public's right to information and protection of First Amendment freedoms. Know how to use FOI laws and how to get help when government officials throw roadblocks in your path.
For help on FOI use and filing a request, check out IRE Tip Sheet #1852 (pdf) from James Grimaldi.
- Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press - A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to journalists since 1970. Besides including a wealth of resources, the site allows you to send e-mail for specific help or questions you need answered. Also, their Open Government Guide has searchable information on all 50 states open records and open meetings laws. A state-by-state breakdown of open records laws for electronic information is also available.
- Society of Professional Journalists FOI Web site - SPJ runs its "Open Doors" Web site with everything from an FOI basic Q&A to a full list of resources. Also has an active discussion list on many FOI subjects.
- Freedom of Information Center - This comprehensive site includes sample letters, a guide to international FOI laws, a list of other FOI links and whistleblower information.
- Citizen Access Project - A comprehensive FOIA site maintained at the University of Florida by Bill Chamberlin. While much of it is oriented toward Florida, the site includes a very useful explanation of the 50 state open records laws, including a rating of how each state law works.
- Student Press Law Center - Good site when filing FOI letters to states other than your own because of help with the language in each state's law.
- Department of Justice FOI Guide - Site includes a walk through the federal Freedom of Information Act with links to the FOI officers at federal agencies and the annual FOI reports.
- First Amendment Center - This site keeps current with FOIA news and analysis. It offers an experts list to contact and curriculum ideas for those teaching FOIA topics.
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