J385: Communication Law Home Page


FEDERAL FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

A Citizen's Guide to FOIA

THE FOIA DOES NOT APPLY TO THE JUDICIAL OR LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE UNDER THE FOIA MUST:

1. BE AN "AGENCY RECORD," AND

2. CONTAIN NON-EXEMPT MATERIAL.


AGENCY

EXECUTIVE, MILITARY, GOVT. CORP...IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OR ANY INDEPENDENT REGULATORY AGENCY.


RECORD

PRINTED OR TYPED DOCUMENT, TAPE RECORDING, MAP COMPUTER PRINTOUT, COMPUTER TAPE, OR A SIMILAR ITEM.


AGENCY RECORD

a. THE RECORD MUST BE CREATED OR OBTAINED BY ANAGENCY.

b. THE RECORD MUST BE POSSESSED BY AN AGENCY.


EXEMPTIONS

1. NATIONAL SECURITY

Executive Order 12958 (April 1995)

2. INTERNAL PERSONNEL AND PRACTICES.

3. MATERIAL SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT BY STATUTE.

4. TRADE SECRETS/FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

5. INTERAGENCY AND INTRAAGENCY MEMOS (WORKING PAPERS).

6. PERSONNEL AND MEDICAL FILES AND SIMILAR FILES.

7. INVESTIGATORY RECORDS COMPILED FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES.

8. RECORDS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

9. GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION AND DATA.


Return to J385 Home page