More than a century ago, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis articulated a maxim that has guided journalists and open government advocates ever since — that “sunlight is the best disinfectant” in a healthy democracy. Again, this year, news organizations are honoring the wisdom of the late justice by celebrating Sunshine Week. The News Leaders Association, which directed the annual program from 2005 until this year, said this event “highlights the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy.”
