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Accessing public records
Welcome to our Public Records page. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is the key law for accessing public records from both local governments and state agencies in California, excluding the state Legislature and the courts, which are subject to separate access rules. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the record-access law for all executive branch and independent agencies of the federal government. Additionally, FAC has published a Police Transparency Guide (2020) and a Teacher Guide on Court Access (2021).
Accessing Records in CALIFORNIA
navigating the California public Records Act
CPRA Primer
This primer updated in March 2022 by FAC Legal Fellow Monica Price and FAC Executive Director David Snyder. It was created in 2006 by James Chadwick, then of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.
CPRA FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the California Public Records Act. Published March 2022
CPRA Request Letter
A sample letter template with instructional annotations for writing a CPRA request letter.
CPRA Text of Law
Government Sections 6250-6270 (external site)
Accessing Federal Public Records
Navigating the Freedom of Information Act
FOIA Request Letter
A sample letter template with instructional annotations and additional resources for writing a FOIA request letter.
FOIA Text Of Law
The full text of the Freedom of Information Act in a form showing all amendments to the statute made by the “FOIA Improvement Act of 2016.”
FOIA FAQ
Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA. Click this box for answers to questions about the law.
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Accessing CA Court Records
California Court records are generally public records, yet are not governed by the California Public Records Act. Familiarize yourself with the relevant statutes and case law to access court records in California with this video, Accessing California Court Records. Presented by Duffy Carolan, a partner of Jassy, Vick, Carolan’s San Francisco office and FAC Board Member. (37:00 minutes)
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CPRA Essentials
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is the Freedom of Information law for California. It provides a right of access to records in the possession of state and local governments (but excluding the state Legislature and the courts). The CPRA Essentials video is a great introduction for anyone looking to access government records and an excellent refresher for journalists and government officials. Presented by FAC General Counsel Roger Myer of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, San Francisco. (37:00 minutes)