Argus Leader Media Amicus

At a Glance

Date Filed: 

March 25, 2019

Current Status 

Amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court March 25, 2019.

Co-Counsel 

Jenny-Brooke Condon, Seton Hall Law School Center for Social Justice 

Client(s) 

Detention Watch Network, Human Rights Defense Center, Prison Policy Initiative

Case Description 

This case involves a corporate trade group's challenge to 40 years of precedent limiting the government's ability to withhold information requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). On behalf of Detention Watch Network, Human Rights Defense Center, and Prison Policy Initiative, the Center for Constitutional Rights and co-counsel Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law School filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to find that private entities do not have standing to appeal court decisions ordering the government to release information under FOIA's Exemption 4. The case may have far-reaching consequences for public access to information about government partnerships with private contractors. Our clients are organizations dedicated to exposing human rights violations in detention and prison, including in privately-operated detention and prison facilities and services.   

Case Timeline

March 25, 2019
Amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court
March 25, 2019
Amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court