Appeals Court Rules University of Michigan’s Bias Response Team Indirectly Chills Speech
"Even if an official lacks actual power to punish," the appeals court argued, "the threat of punishment from a public official who appears to have punitive authority can be enough to produce an objective chill."
Visual Journalists Challenge Texas Law Restricting Drones
Facing fees up to $10,000 for publishing photographs and videos captured with drones, the group say the law has deterred journalists from reporting on newsworthy events of public interest.
Alex Jones Sues Massachusetts Congressional Candidate For Defamation
Alex Jones is suing Massachusetts Congressional candidate Brianna Wu over a tweet he alleges defamed him. In a June 17 tweet, Wu suggests that Jones emailed child pornography to the parents of the children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting.
Upcoming Panel Discussion on Hate Speech in Washington, D.C
First Amendment Watch, ConSource, and the John Brademas Center at New York University will co-host a panel discussion entitled, “Hate Speech on Social Media: Is There a Way to a More Civil Discussion?”
Department of Education Letter Threatens UNC and Duke with Funding Cuts
In an unprecedented move, the Education Department has ordered a Middle East studies program at Duke and UNC to change its curriculum or else risk losing Title VI funding.
Department of Justice Sues Edward Snowden for Proceeds of New Memoir
According to the lawsuit, the DoJ is entitled to all monetary proceeds derived from the publication of his book because of contractual agreements Snowden signed while working as a government contractor.
Virginia Lt. Governor Files $400 Million Defamation Suit Against CBS
Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, Justin Fairfax, is suing CBS for defamation for airing separate interviews with two women, Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson, who have accused him of sexual assault.
Are Political Robocalls Protected Under the First Amendment?
Regulating robocalls based on the content of their messaging presents a more severe threat to First Amendment freedoms than regulating their time, place, and manner," the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in a case involving Montana's robocall laws.