Types of Crimes
The Epstein Files: What the Documents Actually Show
The criminal enterprise of Jeffrey Epstein has created one of the most persistent myths in modern American history: the existence of a singular, definitive "Client List."…
Public Records Access
Public records access is about how people find and obtain documents and data that government holds. It covers court files, legislation, registries, census data, and service records. Federal and state agencies, libraries, archives, and courts all take part.
People usually bring questions about how to find a record and which ones are open to the public. They ask how to search for things such as patents, laws, and registries, and what is kept private or classified. They also ask how officials decide what to release and whether a president or other official may block release.
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October 6last updated
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The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
Latest in Public Records Access
Public Records Access
How to Search Public Sex Offender Registries
Public sex offender registries in the United States exist as a public safety tool, designed to help government authorities track individuals convicted of sex offenses while…
The Presidency
Does a President Have Power to Block the Release of Court Documents?
Judges, not presidents, control a federal court’s records. That holds whether a president wants documents released or kept secret: government lawyers can ask a judge to…
Public Records Access
Deciding What Government Records the Public Can See
No single office decides which government records the public can see. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), each federal agency answers requests for the records…
All Articles on Public Records Access
Is Releasing the Epstein Files a Legal Question or a Political One?
The fight over Jeffrey Epstein's records has become one of the most explosive political controversies of recent years. At its heart lies a simple…
How to Search for Patents
That idea brewing in your mind could be worth millions—or it could already belong to someone else. Before you spend a dime on development,…
How Census Data Reveals Family History and American Identity
Every ten years, the United States conducts a headcount mandated by the Constitution. The census serves the purpose of dividing political representation and taxes…
Finding Your Family’s Military Story: A Guide to U.S. Service Records
Every family has stories. Some get told at dinner tables and family reunions. Others stay locked away in government archives, waiting for someone to…
Understanding Public Information and Classified Information: A Guide to Government Transparency
The United States government creates and manages a vast ocean of information. This ranges from publicly accessible reports and datasets to highly sensitive national…
Decoding Federal Laws: How to Find and Understand U.S. Legislation
When Congress passes a new law, it takes a journey through the U.S. publication system, appearing in different forms at different stages. Understanding these…
How to Access Government Records: The DoD FOIA Playbook
How to file a Freedom of Information Act request with the Defense Department: where to send it, how to word it, what it costs, and how to fight a denial.
How to Access the Declassified JFK Assassination Records
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most intensely scrutinized events in American history. For decades,…