ABSTRACT
Government transparency is essential for democracy, though it can be a challenge for citizens and journalists to gain access to government activities. This chapter details the laws providing access to government press conferences, forums such as courtrooms and jails, and military efforts. Open records laws such as the federal Freedom of Information Act, which mandate access to government records, are explained, as are the numerous exemptions typical of both state and federal laws. Also covered are “sunshine laws” that require government meetings to be open to the public with proper notices, subject to limited reasons for closed sessions.
