What is a "public records" request in relation to FOI?

A "public records" request refers to an individual's right to seek access to documents or data that are maintained by government entities. This concept is foundational in the context of Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, which are designed to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.

Public records can include a wide variety of documents such as reports, emails, meeting minutes, and any other data created or received by government officials in the course of their duties. The intent behind this process is to allow citizens to obtain information about government activities, which helps ensure that governmental operations are conducted openly and that officials are held accountable to the public.

This definition is crucial because it emphasizes the role of government entities in maintaining records that are accessible to the public. It also highlights that the request pertains specifically to documents created or held by these entities, rather than private organizations, which do not generally fall under the same transparency obligations.

In contrast, requests for only financial documents would be too narrow and not representative of the broad scope of information available through public records. Additionally, a focus on private organizations does not align with the principles of FOI, as these laws are concerned primarily with public rather than private entities. Lastly, requiring payment before submission of a request does not align with the