White House Argues Separation of Powers in Visitor Logs Case

· Story link

In its continuing effort to keep White House visitor logs confidential, the administration contended in federal appellate arguments that the White House is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the “separation of powers” doctrine precludes either the courts or Congress from doing anything to change that. Government lawyers argue the president and vice president must be able to solicit advice privately. They said a public interest group’s request for Secret Service records at the White House was an end-around that should not be sanctioned by the court. (4/21/08)