Freedom of Information Act


Overview/Description
Target Audience
Prerequisites
Expected Duration
Lesson Objectives
Course Number
Expertise Level



Overview/Description

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) encourages accountability through transparency - considered to be vital to the health and success of a democracy. In the United States each federal agency is responsible for processing FOIA requests, making proactive disclosures, and disclosing records unless they are subject to a specific exemption or exclusion. This course provides an overview of the FOIA, how to meet agency obligations for processing requests, and encourages employees to become familiar with their agency's specific FOIA guidelines and resources.

This course was developed with subject matter support provided by The Potomac Law Group, PLLC. Please note, however, that the course materials and content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice and may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation or constitute a legal opinion with respect to compliance with statutes, regulations, or other legal authority. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking independent legal advice.



Target Audience
Employees of federal government agencies who receive, or may be asked to respond to, requests for government information under the FOIA

Prerequisites
None

Expected Duration (hours)
0.3

Lesson Objectives

Freedom of Information Act

  • Freedom of Information Act
  • recognize the FOIA obligations for disclosing information held by federal agencies
  • identify what is required under the FOIA when making records available
  • recognize what's involved in processing a FOIA request under the FOIA
  • Knowledge Check: FOIA Obligations
  • Course Number:
    fgov_01_a47_lc_enus

    Expertise Level
    Everyone