Behind Closed Doors: The Law and Politics of Cabinet Secrecy

A defense of cabinet secrecy in democratic societies.

In an era where government transparency and accountability are considered fundamental values, does Cabinet secrecy still have a place? The legal and political rules that protect the confidentiality of collective decision-making at the highest level of the state executive have come under increasing scrutiny. In Behind Closed Doors, Yan Campagnolo argues that cabinet secrecy is essential to responsible government, even while its statutory safeguards may be unconstitutional. Comparing practices in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, this comprehensive study proposes a new, middle way between total transparency and confidentiality in the cabinet.