562 U.S. 562
SCOTUS2011Background
- FOIA requests sought ESQD data and maps at Naval Magazine Indian Island in Washington; Navy withheld under Exemption 2.
- Exemption 2text defines material that is related solely to internal personnel rules and practices.
- Court of Appeals adopted Crooker’s High 2 framework, shielding largely internal or circumvention-risk materials.
- Milner sought ESQD data used to design storage facilities for explosives; disclosure alleged to risk public safety.
- Court grants certiorari to resolve circuit split on Exemption 2 scope and applies plain-text, narrow reading of the term “personnel.”
- Court clarifies that Exemption 2 excludes ESQD data under its Low 2 scope (employee-related) and does not reach explosive-data maps.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of Exemption 2 as related solely to internal personnel rules | Milner argues Crooker High 2 should apply | Navy argues Crooker’s High 2 or broader reading is permissible | Exemption 2 does not reach ESQD data; Low 2 governs |
| Whether Exemption 2’s text supports a “predominantly internal” circumvention standard | Crooker framework should control | Crooker aligns with congressional intent | Rejected; Exemption 2’s plain language governs; High 2 not supported |
| Effect of legislative history on interpreting Exemption 2 | Senate vs House reports conflict; history unclear | Legislative history clarifies intended scope | Text controls; history does not justify High 2 |
| Whether Exemption 7(F) or other exemptions can cover ESQD data | Alternative exemptions insufficient or inappropriate | ESQD data could fall under Exemption 7(F) if compiled for law enforcement | Remand open to consider Exemption 7(F) applicability |
Key Cases Cited
- Department of Air Force v. Rose, 425 U.S. 352 (1976) (narrowed Exemption 2 to internal personnel matters)
- Crooker v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, 670 F.2d 1051 (D.C. Cir. 1981) (established High 2/predominant-internality approach (later rejected))
- John Doe Agency v. John Doe Corp., 493 U.S. 146 (1989) (Exemption 7 if later assembled for law enforcement purposes)
- FBI v. Abramson, 456 U.S. 615 (1982) (narrow reading of FOIA exemptions; need for strict construction)
- Department of Justice v. Tax Analysts, 492 U.S. 136 (1989) (exemptions construed narrowly in public-information context)
- Rose (Department of Air Force v. Rose), 425 U.S. 352 (1976) (exemption scope related to internal staff info)