Justice Dept.: Individuals have right to record police activity
Wired.com reports on content of ‘surprising’ letter sent by federal agency to Baltimore Police Department.
FBI chief confirms leak probe on al-Qaida plot
Robert Mueller says such unauthorized disclosures threaten ongoing operations and put lives at risk.
FTC: Skechers deceived consumers with shoe ads
Government says company’s claims that fitness models would help them lose weight and tone up were unfounded; orders $40 million paid in compensation.
11th Circuit: Fla. teacher can sue religious school over firing
Jarretta Hamilton claims she was wrongly dismissed by Southland Christian School after she disclosed that she got pregnant before she married.
Ind. reporter found in contempt for texting
County judge objects to Fort Wayne radio reporter’s use of a smartphone during a murder hearing, saying electronic devices aren’t allowed in courtroom.
Federal judge strikes down part of anti-terrorism law
Court says provision in National Defense Authorization Act leaves journalists, scholars and political activists facing the prospect of indefinite detention for exercising their rights.
Ads highlight cozy campaign-PAC relationship
By law, campaigns and outside ‘super’ groups are forbidden from working with each other, but the lines of separation often seem blurred if not crossed.
Del. county told to stop reciting Lord’s Prayer at council meetings
Federal judge issues injunction in lawsuit brought by four Sussex County residents who say the practice violates the First Amendment.
Records detail George Zimmerman’s medical injuries
ABC News reports records were among some evidence released yesterday in the Trayvon Martin case; news organizations had challenged sealing of records.
D.C. Circuit refuses to block campaign-disclosure ruling
In earlier decision, federal judge found FEC had overstepped its bounds by allowing groups that fund the ads to keep their financiers anonymous.
Court revives inmate’s claim against no-beard policy
4th Circuit panel says prison failed to explain why a Muslim prisoner’s 1/8-inch beard worn for religious reasons would pose a problem.
Ariz. governor signs bill against online stalking
Provision that free-speech advocates had said could lead to criminal charges for constitutionally protected comments online was dropped.
Whistleblower suit over prison ‘coddling’ inmates revived
6th Circuit reinstates Ruth Mosholder’s claim that she was reassigned after telling lawmakers that prison lacked overall discipline.
The First Amendment Center is an educational organization and cannot provide legal advice.
Ken Paulson is president and chief executive officer/First Amendment Center. Previously, Paulson served as editor and senior vice president/news of USA Today and USATODAY.com.
Gene Policinski, senior vice president and executive director of the First Amendment Center, is a veteran journalist whose career has included work in newspapers, radio, television and online.
John Seigenthaler founded the First Amendment Center in 1991 with the mission of creating national discussion, dialogue and debate about First Amendment rights and values.
Dr. Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum. He writes and speaks extensively on religious liberty and religion in American public life.
David L. Hudson Jr. is a scholar at the First Amendment Center. Hudson writes for firstamendmentcenter.org and for other publications devoted to First Amendment issues.
Tiffany Villager is director/First Amendment studies at the First Amendment Center, which she joined in 1993. She also served as the center’s research manager and research coordinator, and developed the center’s library.
Speech Commentary | Gene Policinski | May 17, 2012
Ruling aims at restoring balance in dealing with terror
Federal judge says new law authorizing government to arrest people for ‘extreme and unpopular views’ goes squarely against what the First Amendment protects.