Government Transparency

The ACLU-NJ believes that government openness and transparency are cornerstones to a healthy democracy and fights for access and fair process at all levels of government.

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The ACLU-NJ believes that government openness and transparency are cornerstones to a healthy democracy and fights for access and fair process at all levels of government.

We can only hold our government accountable – and ensure that it is working on behalf of the people – when we shed light on what public entities and officials are doing. The ACLU-NJ advocates for strong laws that require transparency and public access, including to public meetings and government records, and we use open records requests to collect information relevant to protecting civil liberties.

The Latest

Press Release
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Advocacy Groups Condemn Legislation Removing NJ State Police from Attorney General Oversight

Advocacy, racial justice, and nonprofit groups today condemned bipartisan legislation that would remove the New Jersey State Police from the oversight of the New Jersey state Attorney General’s office.
Issue Areas: Police & Law Enforcement, Government Transparency
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Responds to New Jersey Supreme Court’s Decision in Appeal of Charles Kratovil

The ACLU-NJ respects the purpose behind Daniel’s Law to provide protection for our public servants.
Issue Areas: Government Transparency, Free Speech & Expression
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Responds to U.S. Department of Justice Findings of Widespread Misconduct by Trenton Police

The ACLU of New Jersey responded to the findings released today by the U.S. Department of Justice following a pattern and practice investigation that revealed rampant abuse and misconduct within the Trenton Police Department.
Issue Areas: Police & Law Enforcement, Criminal Legal System, Government Transparency
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Statement on Signing of OPRA Legislation

It’s shameful that despite overwhelming concerns from their constituents, lawmakers fast-tracked a bill that severely restricts access to government records and limits the public’s ability to hold elected officials accountable.
Issue Areas: Government Transparency, Free Speech & Expression
Court Case
Jun 04, 2018

Kean Federation of Teachers v. Morell, et al.

Amicus challenge to Kean University Board of Trustees violation of the Open Public Meetings Act ("OPMA") by not promptly releasing their closed session meeting minutes, as required by law, and failing to give advance notice to university faculty that would be impacted by the closed session meeting.
Court Case
Mar 20, 2019

Rivera v. Fort Lee

Are police department standard operating procedures available under OPRA and the common law right of access to public information?
Court Case
Nov 09, 2020

ACLU-NJ v. NJ County Prosecutors’ Association

Challenge to CPANJ's records request denial.
Court Case
Nov 19, 2020

State v. Dangcil

Amicus brief in a challenge to the new jury selection procedures set up as a result of COVID-19