Freedom of Information Act (United States)

The Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA ) gives everyone the right of access to documents of the executive ( the Government ) to require the United States. The law was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 4, 1966, one year later entered into force. The Johnson administration succeeded in the bill that had been discussed over the long to water down so far that the law had little practical effect. It was not until the amendment of 1974 made ​​the law an effective instrument.

Despite the limitations of the FOIA requires government agencies to ensure the greatest possible public and comprehensive access to the information. The people who are denied access to the records are administrative and judicial remedies available.

The required records must be justified, unless they fall under the protection of one or more of the exempt categories, which are contained in the FOIA. Records, which generally do not have to be made available are:

• Legally undisclosed material
• Limited types of purely internal affairs
• By other statutes prior to the announcement -only affairs
• Business secrets or commercial or financial information obtained from individuals and are privileged or confidential
• Internal communication between the offices of the deliberative, taking place before decisions process
• Results of the work of lawyers or records of their clients
• Information that would clearly constitute an unjustified invasion of personal privacy
• Records, make the laws submitted to the degree that one of six special damage could arise from the presentation of
• Examinations at banks

From the basic idea here like freedom of information laws have been introduced in other states.