The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): An Introduction
Abstract
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 U.S.C. 552, provides the public a right to access federal agency information. Subject to statutorily enumerated exemptions and exclusions, agencies must disclose records covered by the act in one of three ways. First, FOIA directsagencies to publish certain important government materials in the Federal Register. Second, on a proactive basis, agencies must electronically disclose certain agency information. And third, FOIA requires agencies to disclose all covered records, except those made available through the aforementioned affirmative disclosure provisions, to individuals, corporations, and other entities on request. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to FOIA. For a more detailed discussion, see CRS Report R46238, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A Legal Overview, by Daniel J. Sheffner.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 24, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1132998
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Sheffner
Organizations
- Library of Congress