Belth v. Garamendi

Opinion

KING, J.

—In this case we hold that Government Code section 6259, subdivision (d), mandates an award of court costs and reasonable attorney fees to a plaintiff who prevails in litigation filed under the California Public Records Act. We further hold that the plaintiff has prevailed within the meaning of the statute when he or she files an action which results in defendant releasing a copy of a previously withheld document.

Joseph M. Belth appeals from an order denying his request for statutory attorney fees in connection with Public Records Act litigation against then-insurance…