Not all FBI sources are secret, Supreme Court holds

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court ruled in Department of Justice v. Landano that the government does not enjoy the presumption of confidentiality for all sources which provide the FBI with information during a criminal investigation. Court arguments for the ruling included a need to construe exemptions to FOIA narrowly. A narrow interpretation would entitle the government to consider the nature of the crime under investigation and the source's relationship to the crime when deciding on that source's expectation of confidentiality.

Cases, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Security classification (Government documents)

---

Bill would impose unprecedented fees for use of public information

Article Abstract:

Congress repealed the tax on recreational boats in Oct 1992. In order to make up lost revenue, however, they passed legislation to have the Federal Maritime Commission charge people for using their Automated Tariff Filing and Information System. Public interest groups, such as the Information Industry Assn and the American Library Assn, have protested the charges, fearing that people will be prevented from obtaining public information unless they can pay.

Prices and rates, United States. Federal Maritime Commission

---

Information only public if 'used' in decision-making process

Article Abstract:

The Washington Supreme Court ruled in Concerned Ratepayers Assn v. Public Utility District No. 1 that records not used in the decision making process or covered by a trade secrets exemption under the state open records law were not public records. Records involving dam specifications were sought.

Washington, Laws, regulations and rules, Trade secrets, Administrative agencies, Government agencies

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Court allows use of unpublished work. Court protects raw footage used in news stories. Parody of magazine photograph ruled a 'fair use.'
• Abstracts: Judge bars naming juvenile sex crime victims. National Public Radio not a government entity, judge rules
• Abstracts: Texas Appeals Court moves away from opening discovery materials. Appeals court orders judge to release remarks
• Abstracts: Court oks closure of task force meetings. Closed meetings on golf course development violate law. Arts council can keep meetings closed, judge says
• Abstracts: Agencies, courts deny requests for candidate records on eve of elections

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.