Open Meetings and Closed Minds: Another Road to the Mountaintop

43 Pages Posted: 11 Nov 2012 Last revised: 12 Nov 2012

See all articles by Nicholas Johnson

Nicholas Johnson

University of Iowa - College of Law

Date Written: 2004

Abstract

Conventional wisdom is that public bodies’ “open meetings” are a good thing, a superficially attractive proposition. However, the legal requirements are irrational in design and insonsistent in application – especially when measured by their stated objectives. The article explains the goals and arguments for open meetings, followed by an analysis of their costs and unintended consequences, and concludes with proposals offering agencies more flexibility in achievement of open meetings’ goals, especially with regard to pre-decision “deliberations.”

Keywords: Administrative Procedure Act, agency deliberations, open meetings

Suggested Citation

Johnson, Nicholas, Open Meetings and Closed Minds: Another Road to the Mountaintop (2004). 53 Drake L. Rev. 11, 2004, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2173504

Nicholas Johnson (Contact Author)

University of Iowa - College of Law ( email )

Melrose and Byington
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States
319-335-9146 (Phone)

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