Description
Who constructs, controls and preserves the official record, and who can access it, are often key to documenting and understanding events. However, partly because of the official record’s potential to contain evidence of controversial policies and malfeasance, its construction, control and preservation in the arena of national security is inherently contested: with those seeking greater openness and (democratic) accountability arguing 'sunlight is [...] the best of disinfectants’, and others, not always unreasonably, urging stricter information control because, to their mind, sound government arises when advice and policy are formulated with a degree of secrecy. Beyond being of mere academic interest, access to the official record can influence judicial proceedings and the ability of those seeking recompense for potential wrongdoing to gain justice. Thus giving it an important place in discussion of the rule of law. Yet, how can one be sure that what is recorded within the official record accurately reflects events in a manner that does not (illegitimately) infringe on the rights of individuals, and what role should oversight play in mediating contestations between a state and its citizens? By engaging with such questions, this paper will act as a framing device for the other papers on this panel.
