a law that gives the public the right to obtain more information from agencies of the federal government. The ACLU's FOIA guide
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Chief Information Officer, all federal agencies are required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose records requested in writing by any person. The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records.
FOIA The FOIA, enacted in 1966, generally provides that any person has a right of access to federal agency records. This right of access is enforceable in court except for those records that are protected from disclosure by the nine exemptions to the FOIA, which are discussed in the text.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of information held by public authorities from January 2005. The first stage of compliance is the development of a publication scheme that explains what information the NTA proactively makes available to the public. This scheme covers information such as reports, briefings and minutes of meetings.
A federal statute that allows any person the right to obtain federal agency records unless the records (or part of the records) are protected from disclosure by any of the nine exemptions contained in the law.
A law of the United States intended to assure government openess and accountability. It establishes that citizens have the right of access to federal agency records. Enacted in 1966, the Act also defines specific kinds of information that the government can exempt from disclosure.
Established in Section 552 of Title 5 of the United States Code, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed to ensure that the public would have access to certain government information. FOIA creates procedures for members of the public to write to a federal department or agency, describe specific information that they believe the agency has on file and request photocopies of the records. (www.csoonline.com)
An act passed by Congress in 1967 which allows citizens to request government records and reports that have not been made public, as long as they do not relate to national security, trade secrets and other sensitive areas.
Enacted in 1966 in order to establish the presumption that records in the possession of agencies and departments of the Executive Branch of the United States Government are accessible to the people; set standards for determining which records must be disclosed and which records can be withheld.
Federal law that makes the public release of most information about DOD activities mandatory. The Army's FOIA Program is explained in AR 340-17, Release of Information and Records from Army Files.
Federal and state laws providing public access to grant proposals and scoring that were submitted to government agencies.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives people a general right of access to information held by or on behalf of public authorities, promoting a culture of openness and accountability across the public sector.
From 1st January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information, subject to certain exemptions, held by public authorities. The Act applies to the vast majority of public authorities, including Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.
A FOIA is a written request to view the records of federal agencies. While a FOIA does not give access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies, it opens the federal regulatory process to public inspection. For more information see: http://www.usdoj.gov/04foia
Legislation passed to ensure that the public gets access to certain government information. FOIA creates procedures enabling citizens to petition federal departments or agencies by describing specific information they believe the agency has on file, and to request photocopies of those files.
A provision that any person has a right, enforceable in court, of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions (DOD 1997).
Wikipedia Definition: Freedom of Information Act
Federal legislation, first enacted in 1966 and amended occasionally since then, that allows any citizen or any foreign national resident in the United States to request any records from the executive branch of the federal government.
A law that requires the U.S. Government to give out certain information to the public when it receives a written request. FOIA applies only to records of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, not to those of the Congress or Federal courts, and does not apply to state governments, local governments, or private groups.
The Freedom of Information Act - "FOIA" or "the Act" is a law enacted in 1966 (5 U.S.C. 552). Basically, the public or any individual has the right to know or be informed about activities, decisions and policies of U.S. Federal Agencies. Many documents, permits, reports, etc. regarding Molycorp can be obtained only through a formal FOIA request. More Info: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (EPA Region 6)
Ensures the protection of the public's right to access public records - except in cases violating the right to privacy, national security, or certain other instances. A related law, the Government in the Sunshine Act, stipulates that certain government agencies announce and open their meetings to the public.