Others are more questionable, leading some to dub the FOIA the 'freedom from information act. But an even more serious flaw is the way the law is enforced. If you believe officials are violating the FOIA, your only recourse for the most part is to file a civil lawsuit. That's expensive - often, too expensive for private citizens. And in any case, people shouldn't have to go to court to find out what government is doing.
Government officials can develop a siege mentality, and the public can wind up feeling powerless.
It's a welcome change. But it will only be as successful as citizens and officials make it - because more than anything, it's a way to resolve FOI disputes before they erupt into mistrust, acrimony and lawsuits. There are two common misconceptions about the FOIA and clearing them up could go a long way toward making government more open, responsive and accountable. One is that the act is primarily for journalists. While the FOIA indeed makes it much easier for reporters and editors to inform the public, it applies every bit as much to average citizens.