ACLU, et al. v. DOD, et al., Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, United States District Court Southern District of New York, September 29, 2005 [ruling under the Freedom of Information Act, ordering the release of additional photographs and videotapes of detainee abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, despite government arguments that the images could damage America's image in Iraq and Afghanistan]. Excerpt:

In its most recent discussion of FOIA, the Supreme Court commented that "FOIA is often explained as a means for citizens to know what 'their Government is up to.' The sentiment is far from a convenient formalism. It defines a structural necessity in a real democracy." Favish, 541 U.S. at 171-72. As President Bush said, we fight to spread freedom so the freedoms of Americans will be made more secure. It is in compliance with these principles, enunciated by both the President and the highest court in the land, that I order the government to produce the Darby photographs that I have determined are responsive and appropriately redacted.

Read the full text of the opinion here [PDF]. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.