Writer Wins Legal Fees from CIA in 13-Year Records Fight

· Story link

The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that a writer seeking records about the John F. Kennedy assassination from the CIA since 1993 has a right to collect legal fees. William Davy waited six years to first hear back on his request, and was told the agency “could neither confirm nor deny” that any records existed. When the CIA denied his appeal, he sued. The agency argued he’d waited too long after filing his request but when a district court wouldn’t dismiss his suit, the CIA agreed to give him some of the requested information. The appeals court concluded that Davy had “substantially prevailed” and sent the case back to the district court to decide the amount of legal costs the CIA should cover. (7/17/06)