Piercing the Veil of Secrecy: Lessons in the Fight for Freedom of Information

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0984583408 ISBN 13: 9780984583409

Publisher: LawFirst Publishing/Connecticut Bar Association, 2010

"Piercing the Veil of Secrecy is an indispensable addition to the growing literature on the right of access to information. This book serves as a primer for all persons interested in freedom of information's foundations, value, and future.
-Laura Neuman
Manager, Access to Information Project
Associate Director
The Carter Center

"With unparalleled expertise and experience, Pearlman brings the world of freedom of information alive for his readers; he also challenges us to remain vigilant lest we lose ground in the battle against secrecy."
-Thomas M. Susman
Director, Governmental Affairs Office
American Bar Association

"Mitchell Pearlman provides a clear and powerful story about the need for open government - and the obstacles to achieving transparency in practice. This book is open to everyone, just as government should be." -Alasdair Roberts
Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy
Suffolk University Law School

"I will be referring to this book often, as the textbook of outstanding arguments and proofs of freedom of information, and as the best defense in the face of its multiple adversaries."
-Juan Pablo Guerrero Amparan
A founding Commissioner of Mexico's Federal Institute on Access to Information

"When it comes to the subject of FOI, it goes without saying that what Pearlman has to say is worth reading."
- Harry Hammitt
Editor/Publisher
Access Reports

"Mitchell Pearlman is widely viewed as a unique resource in the international access to information community. We are truly fortunate to have Pearlman as an advocate in the ongoing fight to realize and maintain freedom of information."
-Jamie P. Horsley
Deputy Director, The China Law Center
Senior Research Scholar and Lecturer in Law, Yale Law School

About the Author:

From 1975 2005, Mitchell Pearlman was executive director and general counsel of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission the world s first Freedom of Information enforcement agency. He now holds the title of executive director emeritus of that organization. In 2005, Mr. Pearlman also served as the first executive director of Connecticut s Office of State Ethics and the following year was appointed to the Connecticut Governor s Commission on Judicial Reform. Mr. Pearlman has practiced law for nearly 40 years and is currently a lecturer in law and journalism at the University of Connecticut.

During his career, Mr. Pearlman has been a consultant to government and civil society leaders in over 20 countries on six continents. He is a much sought-after speaker throughout the United States and internationally on Freedom of Information, privacy, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and related topics. He has served as an expert for such organizations as the American Bar Association s Rule of Law Initiative, the Asia Foundation, the Carter Center, the Center for First Amendment Rights, the Freedom Forum, Freedom House, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United States Department of State, and Yale Law School s China Law Center.

Mr. Pearlman is a director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information. He was past chairman of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Legal Services, a member of the Steering Committee of the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws, president of Glastonbury Connecticut s A Better Chance (ABC) program, and chairman of the Connecticut Bar Association s Administrative Law Section.

Among many awards and distinctions, Mr. Pearlman was presented with the State Government Hall of Fame s Heroes of the 50 States Award by the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Outstanding Service Award by the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws. He resides with his wife, Attorney Susan Tarren Pearlman, in Glastonbury, Connecticut.