Mobley v. Department of Justice
845 F. Supp. 2d 120
D.D.C.2012Background
- Mobley, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Yemen, seeks records from DOJ about his seizure and detention and U.S. government role.
- DOJ identified thirteen responsive records but withheld them under FOIA exemptions 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(1) and (b)(5).
- Mobley alleged DOJ did not invoke Privacy Act exemptions or provide identifying information about the withheld records.
- Mobley sought a Vaughn index and, potentially, release of records not properly exempt; he reserved right to challenge some withholdings.
- DOJ moved to dismiss under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), arguing Mobley disavowed improper withholding; the court denied the motion.
- Court indicates Mobley’s complaint states a cognizable FOIA claim and that the statutory text does not require a list of withheld documents at the administrative stage.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Mobley states a cognizable FOIA claim. | Mobley challenges withholding and seeks a Vaughn index. | Mobley disavowed improper withholding, defeating a FOIA claim. | Yes; Mobley states a cognizable FOIA claim. |
| Whether FOIA requires an administrative list of all withheld records. | Agency must provide list of records withheld in full. | Statutory text does not require such a list. | Not required by FOIA; no administrative list mandated. |
| Whether the complaint survives a 12(b)(6) dismissal standard. | Complaint plausibly alleges improper withholding. | Complaint lacks a claim of improper withholding. | Denied; complaint plausibly states a FOIA claim. |
Key Cases Cited
- Kissinger v. Reporters Comm. for Freedom of the Press, 445 U.S. 136 (U.S. 1980) (provisions governing FOIA disclosure and exemptions)
- Virginia Transformer Corp. v. DOE, 628 F. Supp. 944 (W.D. Va. 1986) (examination of FOIA withholdings and administrative requirements)
- Reith v. IRS, 1980 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 14188 (N.D. Ind. 1980) (early FOIA withholding considerations)
- Marschner v. Dep’t of State, 470 F. Supp. 196 (D. Conn. 1979) (FOIA withholdings and disclosure standards)
- Schindler Elevator Corp. v. U.S. ex rel. Kirk, 131 S. Ct. 1885 (2011) (statutory interpretation of FOIA provisions)
- Shermco Indus. v. Sec’y of the U.S. Air Force, 452 F. Supp. 306 (N.D. Tex. 1978) (must consider whether a requester can appeal without a list)