Watch: Open Courts & Racial Justice
The world will be watching when the trial over George Floyd's killing opens this month. Listen to a panel discussion on how the First Amendment’s promise of public trials is playing out in an American courtroom amid the pandemic.
First Amendment Coalition Pushes Court to Keep Public Access to Criminal Case
The defense counsel in a high-profile criminal case in California asked a court in August to close the pretrial hearings from the public and media. Now, a First Amendment advocacy group is pushing back, arguing that there are ways to ensure a fair trial without compromising public access.
Louisiana Supreme Court Judge Targets Critics with Defamation Suits
Judge Jeff Hughes has sued the head of a watchdog group and local newspaper for editorials criticizing his handling of a child custody case. The editorials stemmed from an ongoing investigative series into judicial misconduct in Louisiana courts.
Florida Works to Keep Official Meetings Accessible Amid COVID-19
Local officials in Florida experiment with digital technologies to ensure public access after the governor suspends law requiring in-person meetings.
Federal Judge Says Philadelphia Municipal Court’s Rules Violate the First Amendment
“Not all documentation is reasonable,” Nicolas Riley, one of the plaintiff's attorneys, said, noting that most people could see why an 18-person camera crew might be disruptive. “The problem here was that the court had made it impossible to get down what happened during bail hearings.”
Public Library in Texas Town Cancels Speaking Event with Trans Author
A public library in Leander, Texas canceled an event involving Lilah Sturges, a trans woman and graphic novelist, after city officials published new additions to an event policy hours before […]
Missouri Attorney General Changes His Mind About Exceptions to Sunshine Laws
August 21, 2019: “Very Limited Instances” When Privacy Can Be Used to Withhold Government Records, says Missouri Attorney General. On August 20, 2019, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt submitted a […]
CDC Joins Other Administration Agencies in Restricting Reporters
Though the White House has denied "media gags" at agencies from the EPA to the National Park Service, the chill continues to be felt by reporters covering the current Administration. The latest: higher ups at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appear to have reduced reporter access according to a recently released email obtained by Axios.