firstamendmentcenter.org: Press Freedom of Information

Home > Topics > Press > Freedom of Information > FAQs

FAQs >

How is the theme chosen for each year's National FOI Day?

The organizers, including the First Amendment Center, review the year's major developments in freedom of information issues and try to focus on the most pressing issues. For example, the 2003 theme of “FOI: Survival Strategies for an Embattled Right” was chosen to highlight some ways of addressing numerous attempts to weaken freedom of information in the preceding year.

Does the First Amendment guarantee a general 'right of access' to government information?

Who can file a FOIA request?

How long does it take to get information under FOIA?

Can I request information from my congressman through FOIA?

What information cannot be obtained through FOIA?

How do you appeal a denial of information under FOIA?

How can I find out more about the open-records act in my state, and file a state or local FOI request?

Must a federal agency produce records in an electronic format if asked to?

What are open-meetings laws?

Aren’t open-meetings laws unconstitutional? After all, don’t they infringe upon the speech of the members of governing bodies?

How do states deal with violations of open-meetings laws?

Many states and municipalities are now webcasting public meetings. Can they forbid reproduction of the meeting videos by members of the public?