Activist’s Guide to Public Records Requests in Massachusetts

This guide created by students at Northeastern University School of Law and CfJJ provides step by step information for a general audience on how to navigate the public record request process. The Activist’s Guide to Public Record Requests in Massachusetts gives readers everything they need to start submitting their own information requests, handling appeals, and advocating for legislative, policy, or practice change in their communities.  

KEY COMPONENTS 

Because Massachusetts is an outlier in terms of public record request laws, the guide helps break down what records are available to citizens and how to optimize your requests.  

The guide provides advice and examples on how to draft a successful record request. Likewise, it outlines the most common response to public record requests and described how we recommend handling each situation.  

The legal system in Massachusetts provides options for those willing to pursue litigation concerning non-compliance with public record requests. This guide provides information on how to prepare a complaint and prepare for litigation if the reader chooses this path.