Exemption 1

Government attorneys confirmed on Tuesday that federal courts have the right under the federal Freedom of Information Act to review agency decisions to classify documents when invoking the law's national security exemption.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion for summary judgment Wednesday in a federal Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, opposing the release of documents regarding the CIA's use of “targeted killings.”

A federal appeals court ruled yesterday that the government may withhold certain records relating to the Central Intelligence Agency’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques – including waterboarding – from public disclosure under the federal Freedom of Information Act.

A federal judge ruled Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI may keep classified a report to Congress about foreign intelligence gathering under the PATRIOT Act.

In an attempt to avoid going to trial over the release of Osama bin Laden's death photos and videos, the Department of Justice filed court documents this week arguing that the materials fit under exemptions listed in the Freedom of Information Act and that they should not be made public.

Among other things, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the CIA and the Department of Defense, believe the materials present a risk to national security.