Georgia’s Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act respectively codify the presumption that public records should be made available for public inspection without delay and that government agencies must hold the meetings of their governing bodies open for public observation.
New Open Records Case Index
A new case law index provides topically-organized summaries of over 200 Georgia appellate court decisions interpreting the Georgia Open Records Act. The index is designed to be used by members of the public, journalists, attorneys, records custodians, and government officials who want to better understand public access to government records in Georgia.
Thanks to the UGA First Amendment Clinic students and fellows who authored many of the index’s case law summaries.
How to Simplify Open Records & Meetings
In partnership with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, the UGA First Amendment Clinic has created a resource for local governments on how to streamline processes and build community trust by proactively making government more transparent. Check out the tips compiled in this how-to guide.
Additional Resources
"Red Book"
The Georgia First Amendment Foundation’s “Red Book” provides a plain-language guide to Georgia’s Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act.
"Blue Book"
The Georgia First Amendment Foundation’s “Blue Book” specifically addresses how the Open Records Act applies to law enforcement records.
Georgia Attorney General’s Office’s
Open Government Website
Visit the Georgia Attorney General’s website for additional information about open records and open meetings
Video Webinar
Answers about Open Government in Georgia
Want to know more about your rights to attend public meetings and inspect government records in Georgia? This Sept. 30, 2021 presentation answers frequently asked questions about how the state’s Sunshine Laws protect the public’s right to know. Presented by the University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic and the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.
Additional Resources
Open Govt FAQs and Summaries of Significant "Sunshine Law" Decisions
The Issue
Government Transparency
Georgia’s legislature finds that transparent government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society. The state’s “sunshine laws” guarantee access to the public records and public meetings of local and state government agencies. The First Amendment and Georgia’s uniform superior court rules also protect the public’s right to observe court proceedings and review court…
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