Thought this might be of interest, given the number of times FOI has been mentioned here:
Launch of Freedom of Information in Scotland in Practice.
Dundee University Press today publishes the first ever definitive in-depth guide to Scotland’s access to information regime. “Freedom of Information in Scotland in Practice” is the essential handbook for anybody working with, or using, freedom of information law in Scotland.
Authored by Kevin Dunion, the first Scottish Information Commissioner, this is a uniquely informed volume that provides a detailed commentary on the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. It also discusses key issues of interpretation since the law came into effect.
Kevin Dunion said, “I’ve been proud to serve as the first Scottish Information Commissioner and this book provides, I hope, a sort of legacy. In 500 pages I’ve distilled much of my experience of working with Scotland’s new access to information laws over the past 8 years. This handbook is, above all, a practical guide to the legislation - how to interpret it, how to work with it and how to keep our freedom of information regime strong in the future.”
Writing the foreword, the Rt Hon The Lord Wallace of Tankerness agrees:
“His book should not only be on the shelves of all who have an interest or practice in the field of freedom of information – it should be well-thumbed too”.
Fully referenced throughout to the Commissioner’s own decisions and court judgments, this is an indispensable handbook, both for those who are subject to the legislation and those who want to access information from Scotland’s public authorities.
ENDS
Notes to editors
“Freedom of Information in Scotland in Practice” is available from http://www.dundee.ac.uk/dup, http://www.amazon.co.uk or good bookshops.
PRICE: £60
ISBN: 9781845861223
Kevin Dunion was appointed as the first Scottish Information Commissioner in 2003. He is a director of the Centre for Freedom of Information at the School of Law, Dundee University and is internationally consulted on the effective implementation of FOI laws.
Contents
· The Freedom of information (Scotland) Act 2002, fully annotated and with case studies illustrating the practical application of the legislation.
· Detailed interpretation of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, highlighting, in particular, key differences between the access provisions in the regulations compared to the FOI law.
· In-depth consideration of key issues of interpretation, including exemptions concerning personal information, official advice, formulation of policy, and the application of the harm and public interest tests.
· Unique insight into how the Commissioner’s investigations, and practice assessments are conducted, covering the Commissioner’s role in determining appeals and ensuring adherence to the codes of good practice.
· A personal consideration of the state of freedom of information in Scotland in comparison to provisions and developments in the rest of the UK and internationally.
For more details call 01382 384413
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