All About the Open Public Records Act: Recent Developments and Case Law
Since OPRA’s enactment in 2001, which amended New Jersey’s Right to Know Law, the New Jersey public sector has seen a significant increase in litigation regarding what public records must be disclosed upon the request of a citizen. It is not uncommon for public sector unions and plaintiffs in employment litigation against public sector employers to utilize OPRA as a means to obtain key discovery. Failure to comply with OPRA can lead to harsh penalties against the custodian/public employer, including attorney fees.
In this program, four legal professionals will discuss key developing issues including public access to police materials, availability of declaratory judgment actions, how the exemption for personnel related documents should be weighed against the public interest, and whether correspondence, emails, and negotiations information constitute public records. Additionally, the panelists will provide insight into recent case law, the mediation process and the impact of attorney’s fee awards.
Our presenters:
Iris Bromberg, Esq. (NJ American Civil Liberties Union)
Walter M. Luers, Esq. (Walter M. Luers Law Firm)
James L. Plosia Jr., Esq. (Plosia Cohen LLC)
Samuel A. Rosado, Esq. (NJ Government Records Council)
Schedule:
6:00pm – Informal Reception
6:30pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Presentation (Adjourn 8:30pm)