Understanding Agency Records [Aeronautics and Space]: A Legal Overview

Q: How long does it take to receive a response to a FOIA request?

Response times can vary, but agencies are generally required to respond within 20 business days.

Q: Are there any fees associated with filing a FOIA request?

There may be fees for searches that exceed two hours or for copies of documents, but the first two hours of search time are typically free.

Definition & Meaning

The term Agency Records refers to any information that is maintained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This includes a wide range of materials such as books, papers, maps, photographs, and other documents created or received by NASA in the course of its official duties. However, it does not include physical objects like furniture or vehicles, nor does it cover records from other agencies, even if NASA has copies.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Agency records are significant in various legal practices, particularly in areas involving transparency and public access to government information. They are often requested under FOIA, allowing individuals to obtain information about government operations. Users can manage requests for agency records themselves using templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, ensuring they follow the correct procedures.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A researcher submits a FOIA request to NASA for documents related to a specific space mission. The agency provides reports, photographs, and meeting minutes that detail the mission's planning and execution.

Example 2: A journalist seeks access to NASA's records about climate research findings. The agency responds with published studies and data sets that are part of their official records. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary statute governing agency records is the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), which outlines the public's right to access information held by federal agencies, including NASA.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Differences
Public Records	Documents or pieces of information not considered confidential and are maintained by government agencies.	Public records encompass a broader range of documents beyond those specific to NASA.
FOIA Request	A request made under the Freedom of Information Act to access federal agency records.	A FOIA request is the method used to obtain agency records, while agency records refer to the actual documents themselves.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you need access to NASA's agency records, consider filing a FOIA request. You can use templates from US Legal Forms to ensure your request is properly formatted. If your situation is complex or if you encounter difficulties, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

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Quick facts

Typical Fees: No fees for the first two hours of search time; fees may apply for extensive requests.
Jurisdiction: Federal (NASA operates under U.S. federal law).
Possible Penalties: Agencies may face legal challenges if they fail to comply with FOIA requests.