The Center for Open Government

Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis observed that "the most important office in a democracy is the office of citizen."

The Center for Open Government exists to support citizens who seek to exercise the powers of their office. Citizens need a constant stream of information to provide meaningful attention to the actions of government. Deprived of such information, they cannot monitor their elected and appointed leaders and cannot hold them accountable. Although laws ensuring openness and access to information are in place, most citizens are intimidated by the thought of navigating the legal system to enforce those laws. The Center offers the legal resources necessary to empower those citizens and stands with them as they exercise the powers of their office. - Founder, Clinton A. Krislov

The Center for Open Government was established at the Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2009 to help ensure transparency, accountability and responsibility in local and state government. The Center identifies instances where legal recourse is needed to provide access to government information and proceedings. The Center represents individuals in litigation against government bodies, including school districts, in state courts in Illinois. We are always interested in learning more about your government access issues to see if we can provide free representation in court to advance good government in Illinois.

We focus in particular on cases challenging closed government processes under the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, and similar statutes, often involving taxpayer litigation. The Illinois Open Meetings Act grants citizen access to the meetings of many state and local governmental entities, while the Illinois Freedom of Information Act grants citizen access to a wide range of public documents and records. Taxpayer lawsuits can be brought in state court in Illinois for a variety of matters involving government conduct.

The Center for Open Government is housed in the Law Offices of the Chicago-Kent College of Law as part of the school's clinical education program. Under the supervision of the Center Director, students interview and counsel clients, conduct factual investigation and legal research, develop case strategies, collect and analyze documents, and assist in the litigation. An important civic resource, the Center does not charge for case evaluations or legal services. Clients are expected to pay any costs or fees related to their litigation.

The need has never been greater for supporting the Center for Open Government. By making a gift today, you can make sure that the Center has the resources it needs to continue to fight for open, honest and accountable government in Illinois. Donate now!

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Center for Open Government
565 W. Adams, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60661
Telephone: 312-906-5047
Email: coglaw@kentlaw.edu
Website: http://www.coglaw.org

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Center for Open Government

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