The government said it was not really `` lying '' to declare that `` there exist no records responsive to your FOIA request . '' Former Attorney General Meese first issued guidance in 1987 on denying sensitive records exist . That came in response to Freedom of Information requests for doucments . The guidelines were updated and expanded by the Reagan administration, but they are still used today as a guide when it comes to releasing information that is considered confidential or protected from disclosure under federal law. But the Justice Department says it is dropping a plan to allow such denials .
Former Attorney General Meese first issued guidance in 1987 on denying sensitive records exist . That came in response to Freedom of Information requests for doucments . The guidelines were updated and expanded by the Reagan administration, but they are still used today as a guide when it comes to releasing information that is considered confidential or protected from disclosure under federal law. But the Justice Department says it is dropping a plan to allow such denials .