The Freedom of Information Act was signed into law during the last half of the twentieth century to ensure public access to government documents. In this book, Shannon E. Martin details the history that led to the law's enactment and the resulting discoveries in government repositories over the past fifty years. In light of the ongoing national security war on terror, this is a timely and historical overview of the accessibility of government-held information.
"Shannon E. Martin's account of the evolution of Freedom of Information policy and practice in the United States provides historical context for students, journalists, and activists - in fact, for anyone who cares about the future of open government in a democratic society." (Jane E. Kirtley, University of Minnesota)