The following chronology lists known cases in which public officials either pleaded no contest or guilty to or were convicted of criminal or civil charges under the Open Records or Open Meetings Law. Many of the officials paid fines or court costs, or both. In some cases, charges were dropped in exchange for commitments by officials to study the open government laws or perform community service.

This listing is based on a survey of past issues of The Brechner Report and its predecessor, The Freedom of Information Clearinghouse Newsletter. It includes cases reported by state newspapers or otherwise brought to the attention of newsletter editors. The Brechner Center would like to receive information about other open meetings or records cases which have been prosecuted. The Center also would like to receive additional or updated information on any of the cases listed in the chronology. If you would like to bring any information to our attention, please contact us by mail, telephone or fax.

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