National Security Counselors v. Justice Department
BrynoDC Coverage 1 video
Overview
Overview
National Security Counselors filed a Freedom of Information Act suit against the Department of Justice and the Office of Legal Counsel, seeking formal OLC written opinions related to FOIA, the Privacy Act, and the Federal Records Act.
The Issue
Issue
Whether the Department of Justice and Office of Legal Counsel must disclose formal written OLC opinions addressing FOIA, the Privacy Act, and the Federal Records Act in response to a FOIA request.
The Rules
Rule
FOIA requires federal agencies to disclose records upon request unless they fall within a specific statutory exemption, including attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine protections for legal advice.
The Application
Analysis
National Security Counselors seeks disclosure of formal OLC written opinions on three federal information statutes. The DOJ/OLC will likely assert that these opinions are protected from disclosure as attorney-client privileged communications or work product generated to advise the government on legal obligations.
The Conclusion
Conclusion
The case remains active before Judge Jia M. Cobb in the D.C. District Court, with the outcome turning on whether the requested OLC opinions qualify for FOIA exemptions or must be disclosed.
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