Press

PRESS

March 16, 2009

Court Grants Fee Waiver to CREW in DOJ Tobacco Industry FOIA

Lawsuits, Federal Agencies, Department of Justice, FOIA, Tobacco Industry, Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, in CREW v. Dep't of Justice, U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan issued an opinion finding CREW entitled to a waiver of fees associated with processing its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. CREW's FOIA request seeks documents related to DOJ's decision to seek a dramatically reduced penalty in its lawsuit against tobacco companies following news reports that the reduction was due to political pressure.

Judge Sullivan rejected DOJ's argument that because many of the requested documents were exempt, CREW is not entitled to a fee waiver. The court also rejected DOJ's reliance on an internal regulation allowing it to insist on advance payment where the fees are likely to exceed $250.

Click here to read Judge Sullivan's memorandum opinion and order.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions. For more information, please visit www.citizensforethics.org or contact Garrett Russo at 202.408.5565 or grusso@citizensforethics.org