• Free Speech & Social Media
      • Privacy & Surveillance
      • Transparency & Democracy
    • Litigation
    • Research
    • Policy
      • Events
      • Reading Rooms
      • Blog
      • Video
      • Podcasts
      • The Knight Institute
      • Board
      • Staff
      • Visiting Scholars
      • Work With Us
      • Support Us
      • Contact
      • Press Room

Reading Room Document

FBI request for authority for records destruction

This document discusses the FBI's request for authority to destroy obsolete domestic security investigation files in its field offices, with exceptions for files relating to litigation and the King and Kennedy assassinations. The FBI wishes to resume destruction in order to relieve a critical space shortage. The conclusion reached in the document is that the destruction is proper and should be encouraged, but it is suggested that the Congress be advised prior to Attorney General approval. The questions presented for review include whether the Congress should be informed prior to the destruction and how to proceed with the destruction after allowing time for Committee comment.

April 29, 1977

The OLC's Opinions

Opinions published by the OLC, including those released in response to our FOIA lawsuit

Issues

Free Speech & Social Media

Free Speech & Social Media

Featured

Knight Institute Says Visa Revocations Over Charlie Kirk Criticism Are Unconstitutional

     

Privacy & Surveillance

Privacy & Surveillance

Featured

Appeals Court Revives Journalists’ Case Against Spyware Manufacturer NSO Group

Spyware manufacturers should be held accountable in U.S. courts for actions violating U.S. law, Knight Institute says

Transparency & Democracy

Transparency & Democracy

Featured

Knight Institute Seeks Immediate Release of Trump Administration Agreements with Major Law Firms

 Says records are key to public’s understanding of administration’s vindictive campaign against political opponents

Events

The Science of Chilling Effects

Online

The Science of Chilling Effects

Learn More

Sign up for news about First Amendment events, research, and litigation

  • Issues

    • Free Speech & Social Media
    • Privacy & Surveillance
    • Transparency & Democracy
  • Litigation
  • Research
  • Policy
  • Public Education

    • Events
    • Reading Rooms
    • Blog
    • Video
    • Podcasts
  • About
  • Press Room
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 Knight First Amendment Institute. Design by Point Five. Development by Tierra Innovation. Icons by Leandro Castelao.

2020 Webby Award Winner for Law Website