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FOIA Basics for Activists
A Resource Guide from the Center for Constitutional Rights
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FOIA for Activists
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FOIA for Activists
Introduction & Overview
What is FOIA, and why are open records laws important?
Who can make a request under FOIA?
What parts of government must provide information in response to a FOIA request?
What parts of government do not have to respond to a FOIA request?
What are the differences between federal and state records requests?
Before You Begin
Big, long-term request vs. small, focused request
Key questions to ask before beginning your FOIA request
Writing Your Request
Introduction
Purpose of request
Define the terms you decide to use in your request
Identify the records being sought
Specify the format of production
Payment and making a “fee waiver” request
Expedited processing request
Certification and conclusion
Contact information for any responses
Administrative Process
Sending your request
Tracking your correspondence
Agency responses
Filing an appeal
Be ready for surprises
Reviewing Documents
Redactions and FOIA exemptions
List of federal FOIA exemptions
Publishing documents
Litigating FOIA
Considerations before litigation
Basic components of FOIA litigation
Endnotes
More information
Tools & Case Studies
Sweet Tea with Transparency
Color of Change FOIA Request, Litigation and Advocacy
FOIA Case Study
Annotated FOIA Request
Purpose of Request
A
Definitions
B
Request for Information
C
Format of Production
D
The Requesters
E
Fee Waiver
F
Expedited Processing
G
Certification & Conclusion
Annotated Appeals
Admin Appeal Example 1
Admin Appeal Example 2
Response to Administrative Closure
Glomar Responses
Annotated Glomar Response
Responding to a Glomar Response
Breaking the Lock: Tech Requests
Annotated Tech FOIA Request
Annotated Tech State FOIA Request
FYI! Individual FOIAs
Annotated Individual Request
FOIA Administrative Process Tracker
FOIA Document Review Template
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Introduction & Overview
FOIA Basics for Activists
THE OPEN RECORDS PROJECT:
FOIA FOR THE MOVEMENT
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FOIA for Activists
FOIA for Activists
Introduction & Overview
Before You Begin
Writing Your Request
Administrative Process
Reviewing Documents
Litigating FOIA
Endnotes
Tools & Case Studies
Sweet Tea with Transparency
Alabama
Open Records Explainer
Alabama Sample Request
Georgia
Open Records Explainer
Georgia Sample Annotated Request
Louisiana
Open Records Explainer
Louisiana Annotated Request
Mississippi
Open Records Explainer
Mississippi Sample Request
Glossary
of Common Open Records Act Terms
Color of Change FOIA Request, Litigation and Advocacy
FOIA Case Study
Annotated FOIA Request
Annotated Appeals
Admin Appeal Example 1
Admin Appeal Example 2
Response to Administrative Closure
Glomar Responses
Annotated Glomar Response
Responding to a Glomar Response
Breaking the Lock: Tech Requests
Annotated Tech FOIA Request
Annotated Tech State FOIA Request
FYI! Individual FOIAs
Annotated Individual Request
FOIA Administrative Process Tracker
FOIA Document Review Template
