You are browsing the archives of September 2009.

Using a variety of existing public records resources and online databases together with supplementary written FOIA requests, the New York Times created a national database of water pollution violations and associated penalties.

To meet demands for transparency, more government agencies are publishing their public records online. These records have always been available with a written FOIA request, yet their easier online accessibility sometimes meets with resistance from interested parties.

Credit reports are not public records, but employers wishing to vet job candidates for high profile positions may seek consent of a candidate to review their credit record. Provided the employer follows the guidelines set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they may use this information to look at the candidate’s personal financial history as a reflection of money management skills.

Expert witnesses are respected members of their profession who are trusted to provide truthful accounts in court, however if their credentials are found to be inaccurate or misleading, their testimony may be deemed unreliable. One recent example underscores the importance of verifying expert witnesses’ credentials for your own and opposing legal teams.

Before selling new communication devices, companies must seek certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is a government agency responsible for regulating communications in the United States, so these filings are made available as public records in a searchable database on the FCC website.