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Page 16 of 47
Judges hear testimony opposing Internet filtering at libraries
Linguistics researcher says federal law can't be enforced because no technology exists that can block access to all objectionable Web sites without infringing on free speech.
03.27.02
Alaska English-only law violates free speech, judge rules
Voters had overwhelmingly approved 1998 law requiring government workers to use only English for public business.
03.27.02
Florida State students arrested for protesting outside 'free-speech areas'
Twelve members of United Students Against Sweatshops refused campus police order to move their sit-down protest.
03.27.02
Bush administration releases some energy documents
But critics say White House is continuing to hold back vital information surrounding development of president's energy plan.
03.26.02
Newspapers' attorney claims media restrictions during trial were unfair
New Jersey Supreme Court hears arguments over judge's order stemming from rabbi's murder trial
03.26.02
Lawmakers move to revamp Pennsylvania's open-records law
House passes bill to update state's 44-year-old statute, which is considered one of the weakest in the nation.
03.26.02
Public-access groups want TV time on Philly cable
Lawsuit seeks to force Philadelphia to act on 1983 ordinance that was supposed to make five cable channels, studios available at low-cost to amateur programmers.
03.25.02
High court set to hear challenge to rules on judicial candidates' speech
Minnesota is one of nine states that prohibit such candidates from announcing their views on 'disputed legal or political issues.'
03.25.02
Library filtering debate goes before federal panel
Judges must decide whether law aimed at keeping objectionable material away from children censors constitutionally protected speech.
03.25.02
Tax breaks for religious groups put on hold
'This decision represents a victory for the First Amendment that bans state endorsement of religion,' says Louisiana ACLU executive director.
03.25.02
Most public-records bills die at end of Florida legislative session
Lawmakers pass 10 measures blocking access to records but also endorse legislation that could make it more difficult to close records in future.
03.25.02
Chicago police to fingerprint reporters for press passes
Press group says journalists will be hindered by revived policy, ask mayor to review ordinance.
03.24.02
Judges, journalists need not be antagonists, says Kentucky chief justice
Joseph E. Lambert says he'll create committee to re-evaluate rule that allows judges to limit number, types of cameras in courtrooms.
03.23.02
Federal court must reconsider decision dismissing CNN defamation suit
CNN said Robert Van Buskirk was 'primary source' for later-retracted report, gave inconsistent statements during interviews, took medication for nervous disorder.
03.23.02
Starr to lead legal team fighting campaign-finance legislation
'It is now time for the courts to speak authoritatively to what the Congress has chosen to do,' says former Whitewater independent counsel.
03.22.02
White House puts new controls on federal Web sites
Open-government advocates worry directive limiting access to information about weapons of mass destruction could be used to withhold array of other material.
03.22.02
Federal appeals court re-examines San Diego's sale of cross
Last August, three-judge panel approved sale of symbol, land to memorial association, but full panel says it will now decide if action was constitutional.
03.22.02
'In God We Trust' bill clears Alabama Senate
Americans United calls measure 'a backdoor scheme to promote religion in public schools.'
03.22.02
Diversity Diaries: Bonnie Rubin
Rejecting hospitality out of a misplaced devotion to ethics can cut you off from valuable sources.
03.22.02
Campaign-finance bill sent to president
'I am consoled by the obvious fact that the courts do not defer to the Congress on matters of the Constitution,' says Sen. Mitch McConnell.
03.21.02
Photographer's arrest outside Pentagon raises questions
Defense officials say department may need to review its media policy after cameraman was ticketed for filming traffic stop on government property without permission.
03.21.02
Oklahoma House passes moment-of-silence bill
Measure would also require schools to display U.S. flag, teach students about flag's history, etiquette.
03.21.02
Nigerian writer hailed for story about tyranny's theft of free spirit
Helon Habila's literary career takes off after he wins Caine Prize for African Writing.
03.21.02
Campaign-finance bill heads for final vote in Senate
Passage likely today; President Bush is expected to sign measure.
03.20.02
Lawyers threaten lawsuit to block 'American Taliban' book
'Publication would be at your peril,' attorneys for John Walker Lindh say in letter to publisher.
03.20.02
Student in trouble over Web site loses round in bid to return to old school
Montana senior put photos of 10 high school girls on his personal Web site, calling them 'the 10 hottest freshmen girls.'
03.20.02
News media sue Utah governor for deleting e-mail
Lawsuit accuses Mike Leavitt of illegally destroying public records by routinely deleting electronic documents.
03.20.02
Vanity plate fight lands in Vermont high court
Similar battles seen across U.S. as states grapple with where to draw the line between free expression and words that might offend.
03.20.02
Florida House speaker bans reporter from chamber floor
Lawmaker says decision was based on journalist's disruptive behavior, but Palm Beach Post editor says action was in retaliation for negative story.
03.19.02
S.C. official sues NAACP, white-pride group over rest-stop protests
Attorney general says dueling demonstrations violate state, federal laws governing activities at interstate welcome centers.
03.19.02
Wisconsin public-records confusion continues
Lawmakers adjourn without resolving questions on how public information should be released.
03.19.02
Pennsylvania to require ISPs to block access to child porn sites
Smaller companies may lack the money to engage in court battles over content, says association official.
03.18.02
Legislators consider taxing news media to help pay for stadium
One funding plan passed by Minnesota Senate would charge news organizations rent for their reporters to cover games.
03.18.02
Strip search of teen pamphleteer justified, rules federal appeals court
Judges: Jailers had reasonable suspicion to search student after arrest 'based upon the violent and threatening language and imagery contained in the pamphlet.'
03.18.02
Massachusetts high court knocks down 'Son of Sam' bill
Asked by lawmakers to issue advisory opinion, justices say legislation is too broad, targets a certain kind of content.
03.18.02
Federal judge approves cancellation of motorcycle show
Court rejects lawyer's argument that event promoter's assembly rights outweigh city's security concerns.
03.16.02
Campaign-finance bill goes to Senate floor
Move comes after Republican opponents agree to dispense with planned vote on whether to proceed.
03.15.02
Court: Constitution doesn't protect churches from sexual-abuse suits
'The First Amendment does not provide a shield behind which a church may avoid liability' for negligent hiring and supervision of clergy members, Florida high court says.
03.15.02
Diversity Diaries: Linda Picone
Avoid trite assumptions about the predominant local ethnicity; be prepared for arguments in diverse newsrooms — people see things differently.
03.14.02
Newspaper asks Michigan high court to open police personnel files
Lansing State Journal sued after city officials refused to turn over records from investigations of officers.
03.14.02
Debate continues over exempting Indiana lawmakers from records law
House declines to override governor's veto, but legislators, press advocates say they are prepared to keep searching for compromise bill.
03.14.02
Teen's lawyers urge Utah high court to throw out criminal-libel law
Under 1876 statute, Ian Lake was jailed, charged for using his Web site to call principal a 'town drunk,' allege that he was having affair with school secretary.
03.14.02
N.J. judge to allow news media to attend teen's hearing
Public defender had argued that opening court to reporters could taint jury pool in murder case.
03.13.02
ACLU: Denver Police illegally monitor peaceful protest groups
Group asks mayor to stop practice of keeping files on individuals, organizations — including Quaker group and Amnesty International.
03.13.02
Italian journalist killed in West Bank town
Free-lance photographer is first foreign journalist killed since Israeli-Palestinian fighting broke out in September 2000.
03.13.02
Church asks Supreme Court to halt malpractice lawsuit
Episcopal Diocese argues allowing suit over secretly recorded counseling session to proceed would have chilling effect on religious practices.
03.13.02
Tobacco industry bristles at Justice Department's proposed rules
Philip Morris official says some of the restrictions would place unconstitutional limits on free speech.
03.13.02
Georgia judge modifies gag order in crematory case
Meanwhile, California judge prohibits attorneys, investigators in kidnapping/murder case from making any statements outside courtroom.
03.12.02
N.H. judge won't allow cameras in courtroom
Lawyer for news organizations says he'll continue to seek access to trial of 18-year-old charged in slaying of two Dartmouth professors.
03.12.02
Iowa House votes to make schools display U.S. flags
Proposal included in larger measure affirming teachers' right to begin school day with moment of silence.
03.12.02
Evolution backers, foes face off over Ohio science standards
Both sides present arguments before state school board, which must approve new guidelines by year's end.
03.12.02
Government must justify ban on communion wine for prisoners
Federal appeals panel says that barring wine from Catholic services may be unconstitutional, sends case back to lower court.
03.11.02
Florida newspapers unite to stress need for open government
More than two dozen papers run editorials as part of effort to keep Legislature from blocking public access to information.
03.11.02
State's attorneys make plea to save blanket primary
Political parties urge federal judge to view Washington election system in same light as California's, which the Supreme Court found unconstitutional.
03.11.02
House panel OKs kids' Web domain
Legislation would create online area free of material deemed inappropriate for children under 13.
03.11.02
ACLU sues over search of activists' office
Legal director says seizure of documents was 'calculated to chill certain political activities.'
03.11.02
Honolulu, ACLU settle lawsuit over banned art
Group sued after piece featuring nude woman on a cross was barred from city hall exhibit.
03.10.02
N.H. House votes to mandate Pledge of Allegiance in schools
All pupils would have to stand during the oath, but reciting would be voluntary.
03.09.02
Boxers' backs can be billboards
Nevada judge issues preliminary injunction, says state boxing authorities would violate free speech by barring tattooed ads.
03.09.02
Newseum closes as plans progress for new venture in D.C.
More than 15,000 visitors come out for one last look during final weekend in Arlington, Va.
03.08.02
N.Y. man fights no-TV sentence
Lawyers to argue before federal appeals court that judge's sentence violates Edward Bello's First Amendment rights.
03.08.02
Wisconsin Assembly revives flag-protection bill
'We have limited freedom of speech in this country. This is just part of it,' says measure's sponsor.
03.08.02
3 Arkansas reporters subpoenaed to testify
Judge in one case says journalists must appear as witnesses because information they provide won't reveal confidential sources.
03.08.02
Requests for Florida court records must be in writing
But, state high court says, people don't have to reveal why they want documents.
03.08.02
Internet's reach confounds Minnesota high court in free-speech case
Justices must decide if scholar had right to bring libel suit in her home state simply because former St. Paul resident mentioned her Alabama ties in online criticism.
03.07.02
Washington Senate approves anti-bullying bill
Sponsor predicts swift approval by House, governor for measure requiring school districts to adopt anti-harassment policies.
03.07.02
Ten Commandments plaque ordered out of Pennsylvania courthouse
Meanwhile, Nebraska city officials say they'll appeal decision that monument must be removed from city park.
03.07.02
Pool prank lands students — and editor — in hot water
Indiana principal suspends high school journalist for taking pictures of senior prank, confiscates film.
03.07.02
Connecticut daily drops lawsuit over newspaper tubes
Publisher says The Day decided not to pursue case against city of New London because litigation could drag on for years.
03.07.02
FTC sues former baseball star over diet endorsement
Judge says case hinges on whether Steve Garvey made serious effort to substantiate infomercial claims, but attorney says such a requirement could chill commercial speech.
03.06.02
Second judge orders release of energy records
Six federal agencies must disclose details of their involvement in Vice President Dick Cheney's energy task force.
03.06.02
Florida court questions restrictions on autopsy photos
Judge says state's open-records statute may trump a family's pain in having pictures made public.
03.06.02
Massachusetts woman's cable-access show must go on
Federal judge finds programs such as citizen news gatherer's constitute a 'public forum' and are subject to First Amendment protection.
03.06.02
ACLU to challenge secret detention hearings
Newark, N.J., chapter says it will bring lawsuit on behalf of newspapers seeking access to detainees' deportation proceedings.
03.06.02
S.C. high court upholds state's tattoo ban
Justices rule 'process of injecting dye to create the tattoo is not sufficiently communicative to warrant protections and outweigh the risks to public safety.'
03.05.02
Townspeople protest challenge to 'Jesus Is Lord' signs
Franklinton, La., residents line front yards with Christian proclamation after ACLU files suit over displays on public property.
03.05.02
Columbine lawsuit against makers of video games, movies thrown out
Federal judge finds 'it is manifest that there is social utility in expressive and imaginative forms of entertainment, even if they contain violence.'
03.05.02
Foes of campaign-finance bill target 5 GOP senators
NRA, others are encouraging members to contact lawmakers on grounds that measure violates free-speech rights.
03.05.02
Federal judge allows adult bookstore owner to attend police academy
Massachusetts man had accused State Police of violating his First Amendment rights when a conditional job offer was rescinded.
03.05.02
Freedom Forum closes Newseum March 3 to step up focus on new downtown facility
News release Educational outreach and special programs will continue during transition.
03.05.02
High court won't hear casino's bid to bar sidewalk protests
Lower courts had ruled unions had right to demonstrate on walkway in front of Las Vegas resort.
03.04.02
Detainees' lawyers trying to chip away at government secrecy
Attorney for Malek Zeiden is suing U.S. attorney general and Annie Garcy, a New Jersey immigration judge who barred public from attending Feb. 21 hearing.
03.04.02
Open-government advocates criticize Oklahoma records bill
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Missouri, Maryland consider proposals to restrict access to public records.
03.04.02
Comedians venture into subject some contend is no laughing matter
Festival honors artists who use comedy to explore social issues; survey finds nearly 40% of Americans favor government curbs on offensive humor.
03.04.02
Lawmakers push to make pledge mandatory in schools
Supporters say requiring students to recite Pledge of Allegiance will inspire patriotism, but opponents argue patriotism can't be mandated.
03.03.02
N.Y. agencies to review records requests to see if info could aid terrorists
'I think there is a real danger that this directive could be used to further block from public view information the public should have access to,' says open-records advocate.
03.02.02
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans favor government limits on humor after terrorist attacks
News release First Amendment Center survey suggests many U.S. citizens are reluctant to give full First Amendment protection to comedic speech, art or performances that could potentially insult or offend others.
03.01.02
School board cancels program on creationism
Pennsylvania district calls off student assembly after ACLU threatens to sue.
03.01.02
Move to post 'In God We Trust' in schools getting boost from legislators
Opponents say lawmakers are using patriotism in a veiled attempt to bring religion into classroom.
03.01.02
California judge mulls closing hearing in Yosemite murder case
News media argue proceedings concerning defendant's taped confession should remain open because his admission is already public record.
03.01.02
Student actor who refused to swear asks court to reinstate suit
Christian film group, theologians file briefs supporting Mormon woman's appeal to 10th Circuit.
03.01.02
State judge raises concerns over secrecy order for power contracts
Montana agency appears to have decided information should remain confidential without knowing whether it deserved such treatment, court says.
02.28.02
Energy Department must release Cheney documents
Federal judge's ruling could undercut White House's effort to fight two other lawsuits seeking information on vice president's energy task force.
02.28.02
State can't prosecute man for giving advice to gang members
Federal appeals panel finds conviction of Jerry Dean McCoy for his speech 'strays dangerously close to a finding of guilt by association.'
02.28.02
Vermont moves ahead with mercury-labeling law
National Electrical Manufacturers Association contends statute violates member companies' First Amendment rights by compelling speech.
02.28.02
Giuliani records deal still raises questions
New York's top open-records official says revised plan is still inconsistent with state's Freedom of Information law.
02.28.02
Justices turn down look at Voyeur Dorm dispute
Tampa, Fla., city officials had sought to shut down Web site, saying house where five women are watched via the Internet is an adult business.
02.27.02
'Hit Man' publisher settles Oregon lawsuit
Bobby Joe Wilson sought at least $4.5 million in damages from Paladin Press; neither side will discuss terms of the deal.
02.27.02
Comedy festival to celebrate free speech
U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, First Amendment Center acknowledge challenges faced by outspoken artists.
02.27.02
Church's door-to-door solicitation case comes calling at high court
Jehovah's Witnesses say they are being targeted and their free-speech rights are being violated by Ohio town's ordinance.
02.26.02
Page last updated: 5/2/2013 6:20:12 AM
