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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Press Release

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
Feb 17, 2021

Asbury Park Press v. Township of Neptune

Amicus brief in support of public access to police internal affairs records.
Court Case
Sep 16, 2021

In re: Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive Nos. 2020-05 and 2020-06

Police union challenge to AG directives ordering the public disclosure of the identities of officers sanctioned for serious disciplinary violations.
Court Case
Dec 10, 2021

Libertarians for Transparent Government v. Cumberland County

Amicus brief in a case asking whether a public entity may, under OPRA’s personnel records exemption, withhold separation agreements with an employee relating to that employee's disciplinary investigation.
Court Case
Dec 10, 2021

Rivera v. Union County Prosecutor's Office

Amicus brief arguing that common law requires public access to internal affairs records, where they can be turned over without revealing identity of witnesses.