Merrick Garland on Government Reform

Faithful administration of FOIA essential to our democracy

The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy

The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy

Preference for open & transparent government, like FOIA

• NAM v. Taylor, (2009, upholding lobbying disclosure statute against First Amendment challenge);
• Baker & Hostetler v. U.S. Dep't of Comm., (2006, joining panel opinion, over dissent, that law firm is eligible for attorney's fees under FOIA);
• Broudy v. Mather, (2006, rejecting access-to-courts claims pending pursuit of information under FOIA);
• Davis v. Department of Justice, (2007, reversing summary judgment in government's favor under FOIA privacy exemption);
• McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. U.S. Dep't of Air Force, (2004, Garland dissenting in part, arguing that FOIA should generally require disclosure of prices paid by government to contractors).