Freedom of Information: Access to Records in the United States and South Africa
Open Access
Author:
Grice, Victoria Kathryn
Area of Honors:
Telecommunications
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Martin Halstuk, Thesis Supervisor Matthew Jackson, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Freedom of Information (FOI) Transparency Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)
Abstract:
This thesis examines the Freedom of Information (FOI) acts of both South Africa and the United States. It explores some of the key criteria necessary for a representative democracy – all of which are present in the governments of both South Africa and the United States – as well as why transparency is so important in promoting democratic principles. It also studies each FOI law, with a special focus on the exemptions of each act. This thesis then concludes by analyzing how each act is currently being implemented, what the strengths and weaknesses of each act are, and what challenges are currently facing each nation in regards to access to information.
