Can't respond to request due to litigation
Asked by Michael Keller on April 8, 2016.
1 answer from Jack R-W.
I have a request in to Alabama and while not denying the request or citing any specific exemption, they have said they have to wait until they know more about their discovery schedule in a related lawsuit before they can respond. Does anyone have any experience in getting passed similar roadblocks?
I took a quick look at the laws governing public records in Alabama, and from what I’ve read, there is no way to appeal. Even worse, according to an article in the Anniston Star, there is not only no deadline for responding to requests, but there is also no penalty for officials who break it. It seems like the only option you have here is to wait it out and hope they provide the records in the future.