Freedom of Information Act Elements, Policies and Agency Efforts

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables any person to access, without explanation or justification, to certain existing, identifiable, unpublished, executive branch agency records. Pursuant to FOIA, the public has presumptive access to requested agency records unless the material falls within any of the FOIA's nine categories of exemption from disclosure. Disputes over the accessibility of requested records can be appealed administratively or ultimately settled in court. FOIA is a widely used tool of inquiry and information gathering for various sectors of American society, including the press, businesses, scholars, attorneys, consumers, and activists. This book discusses FOIA's history, examines its implementation, and provides potential policy approaches for Congress.