Colorado Open Records Act

Definition

The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) is a law that ensures the public's right to access government records and documents, promoting transparency in government operations. It allows citizens to request access to various types of records held by public agencies, thereby fostering accountability and public participation in government processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CORA was enacted in 1977 and applies to all local and state governmental entities in Colorado, including schools and municipalities.
2. Requests for records under CORA must be responded to within three working days, ensuring timely access to information.
3. Certain types of documents are exempt from disclosure under CORA, such as personnel files and attorney-client privileged communications.
4. CORA allows for both physical and electronic requests for documents, accommodating various methods of accessing information.
5. Individuals can appeal decisions regarding record requests, with the potential for a court review if access is denied.

Review Questions

• How does the Colorado Open Records Act promote accountability in government?
  • The Colorado Open Records Act promotes accountability by allowing citizens to access government documents and records, ensuring that officials are answerable for their actions. This access enables the public to monitor government activities, fostering trust between citizens and public agencies. By facilitating transparency, CORA helps prevent misconduct and encourages responsible governance.
• Discuss the limitations placed on record requests under the Colorado Open Records Act and their implications for transparency.
  • While the Colorado Open Records Act supports public access to government documents, it includes limitations that can impact transparency. Certain records, such as those related to personal privacy or legal privileges, are exempt from disclosure. These limitations can create challenges for individuals seeking comprehensive information about government operations, potentially hindering full accountability if essential records are withheld.
• Evaluate the role of the Colorado Open Records Act in the broader context of citizen engagement and governmental transparency in modern democracy.
  • The Colorado Open Records Act plays a crucial role in promoting citizen engagement by empowering individuals with the ability to request and obtain government records. This law contributes significantly to governmental transparency by making information accessible, allowing citizens to participate actively in democratic processes. In a modern democracy, such transparency is essential for informed decision-making and civic involvement, as it helps hold officials accountable and ensures that governmental actions align with public interests.

Related terms

Public Records: Documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are maintained by government agencies, available for public inspection.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A federal law that allows individuals to request access to records from any federal agency, serving a similar purpose to state open records laws like CORA.

Transparency: The principle of making information accessible and understandable to the public, ensuring that government actions are open to scrutiny.