A Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) is a formal request made by an individual to a government agency, asking for the review of a specific document to determine if it can be declassified and released to the public. This process allows individuals to challenge the classification status of documents that may contain information no longer deemed sensitive.
The MDR process is primarily used in the context of national security and information transparency. It falls under the jurisdiction of federal agencies that handle classified information. Users can submit requests for documents they believe should be declassified, and if the agency's response is unsatisfactory, they have the option to appeal the decision. This process is relevant in areas related to civil rights, government transparency, and information access.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(hypothetical example) A researcher believes a historical document related to a government program is still classified despite its age. They submit a Mandatory Declassification Review request to the relevant agency. The agency reviews the request and decides to declassify the document, making it available to the public.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Declassification | The process of removing the classification status from a document. | MDR is a request for review, while declassification is the outcome of that review. |
| Classification | The process of designating information as sensitive and restricting access. | Classification is the initial action, whereas MDR seeks to challenge that action. |
If you believe a document should be declassified, you can submit a Mandatory Declassification Review request to the appropriate agency. Ensure your request is clear and specific. If you receive an unsatisfactory response, you can appeal to ISCAP. For assistance, consider exploring US Legal Forms' templates for guidance on drafting your request or appeal.
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The purpose is to allow individuals to challenge the classification of documents and seek their release to the public.