Closure periods for access to public records and archives. Comparative-historical analysis

The article examines the application of closure periods for access to public records and archives, their development in some illustrative countries and the impact it has on the public-state relationship and the possibilities of public inspection of records. One level of this study presents a comparative analysis of current legislation in selected countries (United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic) and in the European Union as a whole. On the second level, the text aims to capture some contours of the historical development of closure periods since the end of World War II, primarily using the United Kingdom as an example of development which has served as a model in many countries and foreshadowed this whole domain. The study demonstrates that, over time, a gradual release occurs in what was initially a very restrictive regime of access to public records and historical sources; and also shows how this is happening and how it can happen. In conclusion, the text specifically notices the relationship of closure periods and public records and archives, together with the right to access information.