Books
The Right To Know
Your guide to using and defending freedom of information law in the United States
Now Available!
The Right to Know is a resource for citizens seeking to understand, use, and defend their right to know their rights under the freedom of information laws in the United States. It sets out in plain language freedom-of-information best practices for ordinary citizens, activist organizations, journalists, bloggers, and lawyers. Through an examination of numerous case studies of how freedom of information laws have been used to obtain information needed to protect the environment, ensure public health and safety and to expose governmental crime, waste, and corruption, it aims to show individuals how they can use the federal Freedom of Information Act (”FOIA”) and other information access laws to obtain information needed to advance their own causes of interest. In addition to exploring these examples, I offer information and tips on best practices for obtaining information using the FOIA and similar laws. I hope that readers will find the examples interesting and provoking. I also hope that readers will find the tips, recommendations, resources and templates useful in their own pursuit of the right to know.
In connection with the release of this work, I have been participating in a number of online interviews and guest posts. I hope you will enjoy them.
Review from Bookviews by Alan Caruba (Nov. 1 2009)
He writes:
“This book will be of greatest use to those engaged in these battles to pry open the doors of government agencies. There are, she notes, many exemptions to the law that prevent access, but she does provide practical methods for citizens to use the act to protect themselves and their communities.”
Interview on Zensanity (Sept. 2, 2009)
In one segment, I discuss the genesis for the book:
“In my law practice, I began representing clients who were seeking political asylum in the United States after suffering persecution in their homelands. I quickly found that the FOIA was an effective tool to garner and confirm a variety of facts that helped me pursue their cases. This prompted me to learn more about the FOIA and how it could be used to bring important information to the public light, and, ultimately, achieve social change in important areas, such as environmental protection and the advancement of human health.”
Guest Post on The Book Faery Reviews (Sept. 7, 2009)
I briefly outline some of the problems with the way the FOIA is administered:
“It can take an extraordinary amount of time to receive information requested pursuant to the FOIA. Also, the costs of obtaining information can sometimes be prohibitively expensive. In addition, the exemptions to information access can be interpreted so broadly so as to hamper the effectiveness of the right of access.”
Guest Post on Book Musings (Sept. 5, 2009)
On the topic of Our Right to Know About the Future of Healthcare:
“President Obama ran on a campaign of transparency and open government, assuring us that we would have access to more information than we had under the prior administration. While there have been a number of significant accomplishments in this regard, there have also been disappointments and setbacks. In the current debate over healthcare regulation, many would agree that the public has not been afforded enough information.”
As the Pages Turn interview (Sept. 7, 2009)
My response to a question about my writing routine:
“I do not really have a set schedule. I am challenged by the fact that I have a demanding ‘day job’ as a lawyer and cannot always have enough time as would like to devote to writing. Generally, I try to write a lot in the morning before walking my dog and then heading to work. I also write a lot late at night.”
War On Privacy
“In The War on Privacy, Jacqueline Klosek looks at how notions of privacy have changed not just in the U.S. but also around the globe. Some governments have made genuine efforts to balance civil liberties and security concerns, but the overall trend is chilling.” American Libraries
“The War on Privacy addresses one of the biggest challenges of our time: where to draw the line between protection against terrorism and privacy protection. The future of democracy lies in getting this challenge right and Jacqueline\’s book seems to have the answer.” - Eduardo Ustaran Partner, Privacy & Information Law Group, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP Editor, Data Protection Law & Policy
“The War on Privacy provides an exhaustive review of the effect that 9/11 continues to have on our concepts of privacy. The myriad laws described in the book serve as a telling indicator of the complexity of, and challenge presented by, privacy around the globe.” - J. Trevor Hughes, CIPP Executive Director, International Association of Privacy Professionals
The Legal Guide To E-Business
“The ultimate source to learn about Web site development and intellectual property issues for the legal practitioner. This indispensable guide is the one book that every legal counsel and business person should have if they are working with Web sites. Covering such critical e-business areas as getting started, managing Web site risks, Internet privacy in the U.S. and globally, and advertising and marketing law, it is the one book you need to have.” - Carole Basri Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania School of Law and Executive Director of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Corporate Counsel Association
“This book is a concise guide for dealing with the Web-based businesses, containing as it does the most frequently asked questions. The personality of the author shines through the book, reflecting a rich knowledge and a full understanding of the various problems faced by E-business….Ms. Klosek has earned our gratitude for giving birth to this valuable reference, which satisfies the needs of both academics and practitioners at the same time.” - Mohamed Hossam Loutfi Chairperson of Civil Law Department, Cairo University
Data Privacy in the Information Age:
“…a timely piece on the European Union (EU) approach to data privacy and protection, an approach that contrasts starkly with the United States\’ piece-meal approach to data privacy and protection.” Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
“Ms. Klosek offers a comprehensive review of the American and European systems for providing protection to personal information in the Internet Age….Ms. Klosek\’s book will help United States corporate decision makers assess the effect data protection laws will have in Europe and the U.S., and help companies operating web sites that cross international boundaries to ensure they stay in compliance with data protection laws in countries in which their web sites may be accessible.” - The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel
“Klosek\’s book is valuable for Europeans, as well as Americans, with its succinct description of privacy protections in the U.S.” Privacy Journal
“This is a readable, well-constructed, and well-documented book. It accomplishes the author\’s primary goal of detailing the differences of the United States and the European Union with respect to their approaches to the security of personal information. It will be useful to academics interested in public policy issues in the area of the protection of personal information, as well as practitioners who must grapple with these issues as the Internet continues to develop over the next several years.” Journal of Public Policy & Marketing
This website, which may be considered advertising under the ethical rules of certain jurisdictions, is provided with the understanding that it does not constitute the rendering of legal advice or other professional advice. The views expressed on this blog are my personal views alone and do not necessarily reflect views of my employer.
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ABOUT
Jacqueline Klosek, Senior Counsel in the Business Law Department of Goodwin Procter LLP, is a frequent author and commentator on data privacy and security. You can email her at jacquelineklosek@gmail.com -
BOOKS
