This week, the United States Department of Justice launched two new APIs: the DOJ News API and the DOJ Law Jobs API.
This week, the Department of Justice launched two new APIs: the DOJ News API and the DOJ Law Jobs API. The content available through APIs includes thousands of press releases, speeches, blog posts and law job vacancy announcements published by the DOJ. The APIs consolidate thousands of website documents into an easily accessible, interactive data set. Once an app has integrated either API, the app can search, sort and filter the data behind the API.
“The APIs are part of an effort to replace aging technology with a cloud-based, open source platform," Joseph F. Klimavicz, deputy assistant attorney general, information resources management/CIO, said in a press release. "Website content that has been migrated to the new platform automatically adjusts to fit any device, including mobile devices and tablets, as well as desktops, making the department's information assets more accessible than ever before. The open source platform also enables the department to refresh content rapidly, providing better access to information to the American public."
The two APIs further President Obama's Digital Government Strategy and Open Data Policy, which have driven significant innovation across government agencies over the past few years. The API launch resulted from an initiative led by the Office of the Chief Information Officer to replace legacy Justice.gov infrastructure with open source, cloud-based technology. The office collaborated with the U.S. Digital Service and the General Services Administration's 18F program to develop the new platform. Hundreds of DOJ component offices across the country will utilize the platform to streamline access to government data.
API documentation for the new APIs is available. Applications can sort, search and filter data from Supreme Court briefs, legal opinions, Freedom of Information Act court decisions, congressional testimony and much more. To learn more about the APIs, visit the DOJ developer portal.
The DOJ hosted a successful "usability" testing session with the GSA prior to the launch. The DOJ received positive feedback and looks forward to the launch. The team encourages developers to continue offering feedback through its GitHub page. Those interested can learn more and participate in a broad range of government API projects through the U.S. Government APIs Google Group.