Remembering Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower best known for leaking the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times in 1971, died June 16 at age 92. First Amendment Watch has put together a special resource with historical information about the case and its contemporary relevance.
Alex Jones, Infowars, and the Sandy Hook Defamation Suits
Learn about the defamation cases facing Alex Jones, creator of Info Wars, who used his platform to spread the conspiracy theory that the Sandy Hook shooting never happened.
Controversial “First Amendment Auditors” Test the Right to Film in Public Spaces
Filmed interactions with police that make headlines or spread on social media is not a new phenomenon. But a growing movement of self-described "First Amendment Auditors" has forced some police departments to review how to respond to First Amendment audits.
Are WikiLeaks’ Actions Protected by the First Amendment?
On April 11, 2019 Julian Assange was expelled from the Ecuador embassy in London, and was indicted by the U.S. government on computer intrusion charges. While Assange was not charged with publishing government secrets, some critics are concerned that the government might expand the charges once Assange is on U.S. soil.
Ag-Gag Laws Face the First Amendment
Many states have enacted laws to punish journalists and activists who go undercover to expose the abuse of animals at agricultural facilities. In recent years, more than a dozen states with large agricultural sectors have passed laws limiting the recording of farming practices. So far, several have been found unconstitutional.
What Rights Do Reporters Have When Covering Official Press Briefings?
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump often called out news organizations for what he said was irresponsible reporting and excluded some of their reporters from his rallies. After assuming office, the President and his staff have continued to limit the access of some news organizations. The larger question remains: Can reporters be barred from news conferences because the Trump administration objects to coverage?
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick, then quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers began to protest police violence by kneeling during the U.S. national anthem. This silent gesture spurred an ongoing movement of protest across sports disciplines that can still be felt today.
Hulk Hogan v. Gawker: Invasion of Privacy & Free Speech in a Digital World
Hulk Hogan, a former wrestler whose real name is Terry Bolleau, sued Gawker Media for invasion of privacy after it published a sex tape of him and friend’s wife. A jury awarded a $140 million judgement to Hogan, and the award amount forced Gawker out of business.