Panel 2: The Law: Interpretations of Legal History
Event Title
A Look into Gubernatorial Records Law: Massachusetts Governor Willard M. Romney and His Records
Location
Campus Center, Room 3540, University of Massachusetts Boston
Start Date
29-3-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
29-3-2014 10:30 AM
Description
This presentation was canceled.
The research examines the state of public records law as it applies to governors in Massachusetts and the United States, by looking at the case of former Governor Mitt Romney’s gubernatorial records. A review of the case makes evident the conflicting points of view on public records law in the state and across the country. In order to evaluate public records law in Massachusetts as it applies to governors, special focus was given to how other states approached the subject of gubernatorial records. The role of the state archives throughout the country and their ability to accession and maintain the records of the governor’s office were given particular attention as well. The way Mitt Romney handled his gubernatorial records, and his treatment of his electronic files, were also compared to the guidelines set forth by the National Governors Association (NGA). By reviewing the Romney case in the light of these comparisons, the paper illustrates not only differences, but the situation of gubernatorial records in other states. The aim is to evaluate public records law as it applies to U.S. governors and through analysis pass judgment on Romney’s actions. The research shows the widespread difference in public records law as it applies to governors, and the differing abilities of state archives to approach the subject of gubernatorial records.
A Look into Gubernatorial Records Law: Massachusetts Governor Willard M. Romney and His Records
Campus Center, Room 3540, University of Massachusetts Boston
This presentation was canceled.
The research examines the state of public records law as it applies to governors in Massachusetts and the United States, by looking at the case of former Governor Mitt Romney’s gubernatorial records. A review of the case makes evident the conflicting points of view on public records law in the state and across the country. In order to evaluate public records law in Massachusetts as it applies to governors, special focus was given to how other states approached the subject of gubernatorial records. The role of the state archives throughout the country and their ability to accession and maintain the records of the governor’s office were given particular attention as well. The way Mitt Romney handled his gubernatorial records, and his treatment of his electronic files, were also compared to the guidelines set forth by the National Governors Association (NGA). By reviewing the Romney case in the light of these comparisons, the paper illustrates not only differences, but the situation of gubernatorial records in other states. The aim is to evaluate public records law as it applies to U.S. governors and through analysis pass judgment on Romney’s actions. The research shows the widespread difference in public records law as it applies to governors, and the differing abilities of state archives to approach the subject of gubernatorial records.
Comments
PANEL 2 of the 2014 Graduate History Conference features presentations and papers under the topic of "The Law: Interpretations of Legal History."