Skip to Main Content

LAW 603 - Freedom of Information

About

Please use the links presented on this page to access Massachusetts laws and regulations on the topic of FOIA.

FOIA Request Templates

Use the following samples to draft your own FOIA Request:

General Laws

Public Records

The Massachusetts Public Records Law (Law), found at Chapter 66, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws, applies to records made or received by a Massachusetts governmental entity. Unless the requested records fall under an exemption to the Law, the responsive documents must be made available to the requester. 

public record (16c) A record that a governmental unit is required by law to keep, such as land deeds kept at a county courthouse. • Public records are generally open to view by the public. (Black's Law Dictionary)

Open Meetings

The Open Meeting Law supports the principle that the democratic process depends on the public having knowledge about the considerations underlying governmental action. The Open Meeting Law therefore requires that most meetings of public bodies be held in public.

Regulations

What is the Code of Massachusetts Regulations?

The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) contains regulations promulgated by state agencies pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act ( M.G.L. c. 30A ). Rules and regulations form part of the body of administrative law along with administrative orders and decisions.

How do I find regulations in Westlaw?

From the main Westlaw screen, choose "regulations" under all content tab.  Then select Massachusetts as your jurisdiction.  This generates an index for all MA regs.  If you know which title your topic falls under, select it from the menu.  If not, use a keyword search at the top of the screen to search within regs.

Online Resources

Librarian

Profile Photo
Rebecca Valentine
she/her
Contact:
rvalentine@umassd.edu

Law Library
Room 102
333 Faunce Corner Road,
Dartmouth, MA 02747
508-910-4020
Subjects: Law