A Grant Program for Black Women Business Owners Is Discriminatory, Appeals Court Rules

The appeals court panel rejected the venture capital firm’s arguments that the grants are not contracts but charitable donations protected by the First Amendment right to free speech.

Supreme Court Clears the Way for the NRA’s Free Speech Lawsuit Against an Ex-New York Official

The unanimous opinion reverses a lower-court decision tossing out the gun rights group’s lawsuit against ex-New York state Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo.

Drone Pilot Can’t Offer Mapping Without North Carolina Surveyor’s License, Court Says

The judge who authored the panel's opinion said determining whether a business prohibition on the pilot's mapping crosses over to a significant speech restriction can be difficult.

Requiring Images of Smoking’s Harm Won’t Breach First Amendment, Court Says

The ruling overturns a lower court order from a federal district court in Texas, where a judge found the requirements violate the First Amendment.

Judge Rejects Challenge to State Law That Could Hold Gun Makers Liable for Shootings

It requires the industry to exercise controls in making, selling and marketing weapons, including steps to keep guns from being sold to people known to be dangerous.

Small Business Reporting Requirement Found Unconstitutional by Alabama Federal Judge

The National Small Business Association argued that the reporting rule violates the Constitution's privacy and free-speech protections.

Struggling To Stop Illegal Cannabis Stores, NY Governor Asks Online Sites To Hide Them

In a statement, Yelp said the company believes “consumers have a First Amendment right to read and write about all businesses, even if unlicensed.”

Treasury Promoting New Rules To Stop Money Laundering Ahead of Europe Meetings

Critics of the rule say it is unduly burdensome on small firms, violates privacy and free speech protections and infringes on states’ powers to govern businesses.