Public Demand for Transparent Government Rises as Citizens Face Uphill Battle in Enforcing Openness

Phoenix, Arizona – A nationwide review conducted by The Associated Press and CNHI News has uncovered a complex web of systems for resolving open government disputes across the United States. The findings, released during Sunshine Week, indicate that less than a third of states possess offices capable of compelling agencies to release documents or comply with open meetings requirements in response to residents’ complaints. In most states, the only recourse for individuals seeking to resolve complaints regarding the wrongful withholding of public records is to file expensive lawsuits. Alabama, for instance, only offers the option … Read more

Nationally recognized legal expert Professor Nora Freeman Engstrom delves into the intricacies of tort law and strives for a transparent, accessible, and equitable civil justice system

Palo Alto, California – Professor Nora Freeman Engstrom is an esteemed expert in tort law and legal ethics. With a focus on the day-to-day workings of the tort system, she examines its interaction with alternative compensation methods like no-fault automobile insurance and the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Professor Engstrom’s extensive research also delves into trial practice, complex litigation, attorney advertising, and what she terms “settlement mills” – personal injury law firms that advertise heavily and process claims on a mass scale. In recent years, Engstrom’s projects have shifted toward improving access to justice. She explores … Read more