North Dakota Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act

• Category: Letters - Nonlegal - Appeals
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-0158LR
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form. [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Name of Public Records Officer] [Government Agency's Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Appeal for Denial of Public Records Request under the Freedom of Information Act Dear [Name of Public Records Officer], I am writing to appeal the denial of my recent public records request made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding specific documents pertaining to [provide a brief description of the requested information, including names, dates, and any relevant details]. I believe the denial of my request was made in error, and I respectfully request that you reconsider and fulfill my request promptly. The FOIA is a federal law that provides individuals with the right to access records or information held by government agencies, subject to certain exemptions and redactions. It is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry. As a concerned citizen of North Dakota, I firmly believe that access to public records is crucial in a democratic society, allowing citizens to hold their government accountable and make informed decisions. I made my original request for these records on [date of initial request], which was acknowledged by your office on [date of acknowledgment]. However, on [date of denial letter], I received a letter from your office denying my request for the following reasons: [cite the specific reasons mentioned in the denial letter]. Upon reviewing the denial letter, I respectfully disagree with the stated reasons provided for the denial. I believe my request meets the criteria outlined in the FOIA and that the records I have requested are not exempt from disclosure. I have attached a copy of my original request and the denial letter for your reference. To support my appeal, I would like to emphasize the following points: 1. The requested records are of significant public interest: Provide detailed reasoning explaining why the requested records are of importance to the public. 2. There is no valid basis for denying the request: Refute the reasons mentioned in the denial letter, presenting counterarguments and supporting evidence if available. 3. The release of these records would not cause any harm: If applicable, explain why disclosure would not impact any legitimate government interest, personal privacy rights, or ongoing investigations. Considering the gravity of the information contained in these records and the importance of transparency, I urge you to reconsider your denial and provide the requested records in a timely manner. If there are any redactions or exemptions that you believe apply to specific portions of the requested documents, I request that you provide me with a detailed explanation and justification for each redaction or exemption made. I would also like to bring to your attention that the FOIA requires agencies to grant expedited processing of requests in certain circumstances, such as when there is an urgent need to inform the public about an actual or alleged federal government activity. If you believe my request meets the criteria for expedited processing, I kindly request that you initiate such action. I hope that my appeal will be given the utmost consideration and that you will fulfill my request without further delay. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [provide your phone number or email address]. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [Your Name]

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Name of Public Records Officer] [Government Agency's Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Appeal for Denial of Public Records Request under the Freedom of Information Act Dear [Name of Public Records Officer], I am writing to appeal the denial of my recent public records request made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding specific documents pertaining to [provide a brief description of the requested information, including names, dates, and any relevant details]. I believe the denial of my request was made in error, and I respectfully request that you reconsider and fulfill my request promptly. The FOIA is a federal law that provides individuals with the right to access records or information held by government agencies, subject to certain exemptions and redactions. It is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry. As a concerned citizen of North Dakota, I firmly believe that access to public records is crucial in a democratic society, allowing citizens to hold their government accountable and make informed decisions. I made my original request for these records on [date of initial request], which was acknowledged by your office on [date of acknowledgment]. However, on [date of denial letter], I received a letter from your office denying my request for the following reasons: [cite the specific reasons mentioned in the denial letter]. Upon reviewing the denial letter, I respectfully disagree with the stated reasons provided for the denial. I believe my request meets the criteria outlined in the FOIA and that the records I have requested are not exempt from disclosure. I have attached a copy of my original request and the denial letter for your reference. To support my appeal, I would like to emphasize the following points: 1. The requested records are of significant public interest: Provide detailed reasoning explaining why the requested records are of importance to the public. 2. There is no valid basis for denying the request: Refute the reasons mentioned in the denial letter, presenting counterarguments and supporting evidence if available. 3. The release of these records would not cause any harm: If applicable, explain why disclosure would not impact any legitimate government interest, personal privacy rights, or ongoing investigations. Considering the gravity of the information contained in these records and the importance of transparency, I urge you to reconsider your denial and provide the requested records in a timely manner. If there are any redactions or exemptions that you believe apply to specific portions of the requested documents, I request that you provide me with a detailed explanation and justification for each redaction or exemption made. I would also like to bring to your attention that the FOIA requires agencies to grant expedited processing of requests in certain circumstances, such as when there is an urgent need to inform the public about an actual or alleged federal government activity. If you believe my request meets the criteria for expedited processing, I kindly request that you initiate such action. I hope that my appeal will be given the utmost consideration and that you will fulfill my request without further delay. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [provide your phone number or email address]. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [Your Name]