Overview
Title
Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Review Board got some old papers about a civil rights case from a long time ago, and they decided everyone should see them, so they told everyone about it in a special government announcement.
Summary AI
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board announced that they received 14 pages of historical documents from the National Archives concerning a civil rights cold case identified as 2024-003-027. The Board decided on November 1, 2024, to make these documents publicly available, and this decision complies with the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, which mandates disclosure within 14 days of the decision. The announcement ensures transparency regarding the disclosure process and provides a contact for further information.
Abstract
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board received 14 pages of records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to a civil rights cold case incident to which the Review Board assigned the unique identifier 2024-003-027. NARA did not propose any postponements of disclosure. On November 1, 2024, the Review Board determined that the records should be publicly disclosed in the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection. By issuing this notice, the Review Board complies with section 7(c)(4) of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 that requires the Review Board to publish in the Federal Register its determinations on the disclosure or postponement of records in the Collection no more than 14 days after the date of its decision.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document published by the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board announces the release of 14 pages of records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) related to a civil rights cold case. These records, identified with the unique code 2024-003-027, are being publicly disclosed as part of an ongoing effort to illuminate historical civil rights cases. The Review Board's announcement follows a legal requirement under the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 to disclose decisions within 14 days.
General Summary
In essence, the document serves to inform the public that certain records related to a civil rights cold case have been made available. This decision aligns with the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act, which aims to preserve transparency and ensure public access to historical documents of civil rights cases. Despite the technical nature of the announcement, the main takeaway is that these records are now accessible and individuals seeking information on historical civil rights incidents can examine the newly-released documents.
Significant Issues or Concerns
While the public disclosure of records is a positive step towards transparency, the document presents several areas of potential confusion:
Lack of Content Specificity: The notice does not provide details about the nature or substance of the 14 pages of records. Without this, the public may find it challenging to grasp the relevance or importance of the disclosure.
Understanding the Unique Identifier: The unique code assigned to the records lacks an explanation, which can hinder efforts for individuals interested in retrieving these records or understanding the process of cataloguing.
Clarification on Postponements: The mention of “NARA did not propose any postponements of disclosure” implies the possibility of postponement, yet it doesn't clarify under what circumstances postponements might occur, leaving a gap that could lead to misunderstanding.
Legal References: The document includes specific legal citations that might be opaque to those unfamiliar with legal jargon. A layperson might struggle to understand the legal authority and implications of the citation without further context.
Public Impact
Broadly speaking, the release of these records may provide valuable insights into historical civil rights cases, shedding light on past injustices and potentially informing ongoing discussions about civil rights issues. For the general public, such transparency serves as an important educational tool, helping preserve historical knowledge and understanding.
Impact on Stakeholders
Positive Impact:
Historians and Researchers: The availability of these records serves as a crucial resource for scholarly work, enabling a deeper understanding of past civil rights cases.
Family Members and Communities: For those directly affected by the cases documented, the disclosure might offer a form of closure or vindication, acknowledging their struggles and sacrifices.
Negative Impact:
- Bureaucratic and Legal Complexity: Without clear explanations, those interested in these documents might face hurdles navigating legal and bureaucratic processes to access them or to understand their significance.
In conclusion, while the document fulfills an essential function by making civil rights records available, it also highlights areas where clarity and further information could better serve the public and bolster the intended transparency of this initiative.
Issues
• The document does not specify the nature or content of the 14 pages of records relating to the civil rights cold case, which could make it difficult for the public to understand the significance or implications of the disclosure.
• There is no explanation of how the unique identifier 2024-003-027 is assigned or what it corresponds to, which may cause confusion for those trying to locate specific records.
• The phrase 'NARA did not propose any postponements of disclosure' assumes that the reader understands the reasons for a potential postponement, yet these reasons are not specified or noted, leaving room for ambiguity.
• The notice does not provide a clear justification or criteria for why these records are being disclosed now, which could be important for transparency and public understanding.
• The document uses a legal citation ('Pub. L. 115-426, 132 Stat. 5489 (44 U.S.C. 2107)') without explanation, which could make it difficult for those not familiar with legal references to understand the authority being cited.
• The document lacks information on the potential impact or importance of the disclosure to stakeholders or the public, which could help gauge the significance of the decision.