1. The views of Jefferson on the important role of information in a democracy are evidenced by the following: “The information of the people at large can alone make them safe as they are the sole depositary of our political and religious freedom.” Letter from Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 1810. Memorial Edition of the Writings of Thomas Jefferson (ME) 12:417. Also: “And say, finally, whether peace is best preserved by giving energy to the government or information to the people. This last is the most certain and the most legitimate engine of government.” Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787. (Forrest version) ME 6:392. The quotation that “information is the currency of democracy” is very often, but incorrectly, cited to Jefferson according to extensive scholarship by historians at Monticello (retrieved from http://www.monticello.org/library/reference/quotes.html#confirm). The most complete resource for information on quotations by Thomas Jefferson can be retrieved from http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/
2. U.S. Department of Justice. (2004). Freedom of information guide and privacy act overview. Washington, DC. See also, NLRB v. Robbins Tire and Rubber Co., 437 U.S. 214, 242 (1978) and United States Department of Justice v. Reporters Comm. for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749, 773 (1989).
3. Powell, C. L. (2004, April 13). Remarks at ceremony in recognition of the partnership between the Department of State and the National Archives. Washington, DC. Retrieved May 1, 2005, from http://foia.state.gov/secremarks.asp.
4. Pressman v. Elgin, 187 Md. 446, 451 (1946). However, an earlier case, Belt v. Prince George's County, 73 Md. 289, 290 (1890), disagreed on any common law right.
5. 43 Op. Md. Attorney Gen. 113 (1956) (the requirement for an “actual or legal interest” stems from the fact that it is a jurisdictional prerequisite to a writ of mandamus to inspect, if needed).