Comparative Freedom of Information Law

The right of access to government information has become a common feature in the laws of many countries as well as in the charters of many international organizations and alliances.  Whether as a means to convey necessary information to the electorate in traditional democracies, or as an anti-corruption measure in more closely ruled regimes, what is known in the United States as "Freedom of Information" (FOI) increasingly is considered a fundamental human right throughout much of the world.  This course will examine the provisions of various national and international declarations, covenants, conventions, charters and laws.  The class will study the legal, political, economic, cultural and social conditions affecting the FOI regimes established by multi-national organizations, nation-states and sub-national jurisdictions.  Competing policy interests, such as the protection of personal data (privacy), national security, law enforcement, and trade secrets will also be considered, along with emerging Twenty-first Century issues affecting FOI, such as the privatization of governmental functions, terrorism, new information technologies, and multi-nationalism.  Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter through class discussions (20%) and an oral presentation (25%), a related term paper (45%) and class project (10%) developing a model FOI Act..

Course Schedule

  • Date: Monday 3:30-6:30PM
  • Location: KT 201

Course Information

  • Catalog number-Section number: 7569-01
  • Course Type: Seminar
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Credits (min/max): 3/3
  • Subjects:

Enrollment

  • Enrollment status: Closed
  • Current enrollment/capacity: 14/14
  • Reserve population/capacity: 0/0
  • Waitlist enrollment/capacity: 0/50

Grading

  • Grade basis: Graded
  • Satisifies Writing Requirement: No
  • Exam type: NO EXAM