Freedom of Information - Public Records Advocacy

Public Records Litigation

With the help of First Amendment and media law attorney James Chadwick, Stephen James has twice taken state government agencies to court to compel the release of public records:

Stephen James vs. California Department of Corrections

After a two-year battle, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Steven Brick ordered the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to turn over parolee data records to James. The government did not appeal the ruling. The case was covered by the Associated Press with media throughout the state carrying the AP reports.  

In recognition of the open government victory and the fact that the case was the first public records litigation since California voters approved Sunshine Initiative Proposition 59 in November, 2004, James received a Beacon Award from the California First Amendment Coalition.

Stephen James vs. California Department of Motor Vehicles -Click Here

Industry Advocacy

Along with California Newspaper Publishers Association General Counsel Thomas W. Newton, and Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney William Woods, James was a panelist at the 2003 California First Amendment Coalition state conference in Long Beach. The panel topic was "What law enforcement records should remain confidential and for how long?"

Industry Recognition - In 2005, James received a California First Amendment Coalition Beacon Award.

FOI - Public Records Articles

Sunshine State - Click Here

Comparison of public records law in Florida and California

Raising Cane - Click Here and Here

Deputy attorney general and prison warden obstruct James from newsgathering

Don't Ask, Won't Tell - Click Here

Sacramento County District Attorney refuses public records access