Newsroom Diity news stories
Page 5 of 47
FERC removes Web page about holes in Montana dam
Missoula-area officials say government improperly withholding public information that involves people's safety.
12.28.02
Ohio high court sides with newspaper in open-records case
Draft of Cincinnati's settlement with the Justice Department over police use of force shouldn't have been kept secret, justices rule 5-1.
12.27.02
Indiana public schools shy away from religion courses
Failing to teach students about religion lessens their understanding of the world, course supporters contend.
12.27.02
Merchants take town to court over strip-mall sign
Businesses claim First Amendment right to use displays; Michigan township officials say Country Corners' sign would dangerously distract drivers.
12.27.02
Department of Energy wants cash for data
Letter from agency seeks $3,200 from Citizen Action to cover cost of searching for nuclear-operations information sought under FOIA.
12.26.02
3 whistleblowers honored by Time magazine
'Ordinary, average Americans' Coleen Rowley, Cynthia Cooper, Sherron Watkins named Persons of the Year for exposing pre-Sept. 11 intelligence failures, Enron, WorldCom scandals.
12.25.02
Federal appeals panel puts religious-tea ruling on hold
10th Circuit judges block lower court's decision that would have returned hallucinogenic tea to New Mexico group that uses it for religious purposes.
12.25.02
Tennessee city allows 'God Bless America' display
Murfreesboro City Council's unanimous decision reverses city manager's order that words on firefighters' Sept. 11 memorial be changed.
12.24.02
Church seeks First Amendment protection from sex-abuse lawsuits
Boston archdiocese asks judge to dismiss suits but says church officials are still committed to reaching settlement.
12.24.02
Cities can't ban nude dancing for fear of effect on neighborhood
Pennsylvania high court rules in Kandyland club case sent back to it by U.S. Supreme Court.
12.23.02
Police to use cameras to monitor D.C. demonstrations
Officials say they're publicizing the plans to comply with ordinance requiring advance notice when tactic is to be used.
12.23.02
Superintendent orders high school newspapers seized
Article in Wooster (Ohio) Blade said athletes, school board member's daughter drank booze at party.
12.23.02
Body of French reporter flown home after war-games accident
Patrick Bourrat, hit by U.S. tank, was one of best-known journalists in France.
12.23.02
Nevada high court backs voter-approved billboard ban
Justices disagree with Eller Media attorneys, who contend that decisions on billboards are administrative matters and can't be handled by initiative petition.
12.21.02
Idaho Farm Bureau has beef with FOI ad
Group asks state attorney general, Agriculture Department to investigate legitimacy of newspaper industry ad involving cattle disease.
12.21.02
Kentucky high court won't hold newspaper in contempt
Ruling turns down request by Catholic diocese to cite The Courier-Journal for publishing information contained in sealed court documents.
12.20.02
Watchdog group: Kids have easy access to violent video games
Sen. Joseph Lieberman credits industry for ceasing to market adult games to children but says parents, retailers need to do more to prevent kids from getting violent games.
12.20.02
Judge lifts restraining order against Florida TV reporter
WFLA investigative reporter Steve Andrews says judge 'stomped on' his First Amendment right to report the news for a week.
12.20.02
Diversity Institute graduates 2nd group of new journalists
News release Success stories from first graduates of Freedom Forum institute illustrate program's immediate impact.
12.19.02
City official orders 'God' removed from firehouse's Sept. 11 memorial
Murfreesboro, Tenn., city manager says 'United We Stand' would be more appropriate than 'God Bless America.'
12.19.02
Federal judge halts law that bars inmates from Internet
'Putting free speech behind bars simply because it concerns prisoners sets a dangerous precedent,' says Arizona ACLU attorney.
12.19.02
Honey, it's for you: FTC offers national do-not-call list
Free service would block many sales pitches to private homes; direct marketers say it's a free-speech violation.
12.19.02
Florida newspapers appeal ruling on autopsy photos
Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun-Sentinel pursue challenge to law that bars unauthorized people from viewing or copying such pictures.
12.18.02
Russian firm acquitted in first test of digital copyright law
Elcomsoft says program merely enables owners of Adobe eBook Reader software to make copies for personal use, which they argue, is permitted 'fair use.'
12.18.02
Judge who criticized university's lack of diversity claims rights violated
'The First Amendment applies to judges like it does to everyone else,' says Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Wendell Griffen.
12.18.02
Bush OKs law to put government information online
Legislation establishes new Office of E-government within the White House's Office of Management and Budget.
12.18.02
High court seeks White House opinion in abortion-protest case
First Amendment expert: Administration's lawyers may find themselves 'pulled in different directions because of the cross-tensions' in case involving online Nuremberg Files.
12.17.02
Suit seeking OK to fire Florida Palestinian professor tossed
Federal judge suggests arbitration in dispute involving accusations that Sami Al-Arian is linked to terrorism.
12.17.02
Supreme Court turns away dispute over menorah in city plaza
On Nov. 29, Justice Stevens vacated lower court's order that would have prevented Hanukkah display in Cincinnati's Fountain Square.
12.17.02
Colorado high court gives ABC News access to trials
Jury deliberations, even attorney strategy sessions will be open for network's 'State v.' program about criminal cases.
12.17.02
Warden can't sue for libel in home state, appeals panel rules
4th Circuit dismisses lawsuit against two Connecticut newspapers, saying articles posted on the Internet weren't aimed at Virginia audience.
12.16.02
Utah city schools bar Monday-night events after Mormon request
ACLU raises First Amendment concern over policy involving church's weekly family home evening.
12.16.02
Newspaper files civil complaint over Jayson Williams 911 tapes
New Jersey county prosecutor refuses to release tapes of call made after fatal shooting at former NBA star's home.
12.16.02
Students object to 'hate radio,' ask school to end affiliation with station
University of Oregon can't use its contract to dictate program content without risk of violating the First Amendment, says administrator.
12.16.02
Wisconsin campaign-finance overhaul struck down
District judge rules provision in new law placed unconstitutional restrictions on political ads.
12.14.02
Oregon court rejects ban on Boy Scout recruiting
Atheist mother had sought to prevent scouting presentations in schools because the organization requires belief in God.
12.14.02
N.H. courts to be more open to news media
State Supreme Court spells out tough new rules for closing trials to cameras, tape recorders.
12.13.02
No TV coverage of sniper trial, judge rules
Prosecutors, defense in trial of John Allen Muhammad both opposed news broadcasters' motion to allow cameras in courtroom.
12.13.02
Palestinian professor asks court to avoid ruling on free-speech issues
Attorney for Sami Al-Arian, alleged to have terrorist links, says University of South Florida trying to circumvent his client's right to jury trial.
12.13.02
TV reporter must stay 300 feet away from man
WFLA's Steve Andrews has done series of stories involving multiple DUI arrests of Minh Ben Ross of Tampa, Fla.
12.12.02
Bush enacts 'faith-based' measure
Administration says it seeks to erase barriers religious groups face in trying to serve social needs; opponents say plan supports 'religious discrimination.'
12.12.02
Group criticizing California Gov. Davis doesn't have to list backers
State Supreme Court declines to review case involving American Taxpayers Alliance.
12.12.02
Supreme Court justices debate 'terror' of cross-burning
Court hears oral arguments in Virginia case that may determine whether cross-burning is illegal intimidation or protected speech.
12.11.02
Free-speech fight between state athletic association, school back before court
Brentwood Academy sued Tennessee group in 1998, saying recruiting restrictions violated the private school's First Amendment rights.
12.11.02
NYC schools ban Nativity scenes but allow Jewish, Islamic symbols
Education department contends Hanukkah menorahs, Muslim star and crescent are not religious in nature.
12.11.02
Australia's high court gives man go-ahead to sue U.S. publication for libel
Analysts believe ruling against Dow Jones & Co. in Internet defamation case could set precedent for courts, affect publishers and Web sites around the world.
12.11.02
Congressional agency's lawsuit on energy task force thrown out
Federal judge finds comptroller general's suit against vice president was unprecedented act that raised serious separation-of-powers issues.
12.10.02
Virginia Wiccan sues after county excludes her from clergy list
Cynthia Simpson challenges officials' refusal to add her name to list of clergy invited to open board meetings with prayer.
12.10.02
Supreme Court refuses to probe restrictions on dentist ads
But two justices say Court should clarify how far states can go in limiting ads of lawyers, doctors and other professionals.
12.10.02
California bill would bar spam, fine senders
Opponents say stringent measure would penalize legitimate e-mailers, leave rogue advertisers untouched.
12.09.02
Student studying religion sues state after scholarship funds cut off
His attorney says Kentucky is 'systematically discriminating' by denying money to students wanting to obtain degrees in religious studies.
12.09.02
Virginia cross-burning law facing high court test
Justices to hear arguments Dec. 11 on whether burning a cross is constitutionally protected expression or overt threat that can be barred by states.
12.09.02
Berkeley mayor apologizes for trashing campus newspapers
Tom Bates says he took, tossed 1,000 copies of The Daily Californian after it endorsed his opponent.
12.09.02
Judge upholds NYC's right to zone adult-entertainment outlets
Owners of topless bars say city violates their rights by applying zoning laws to their businesses but not to mainstream plays, movies that feature nudity.
12.07.02
Catholic Charities to challenge Maine city's domestic partners ordinance
Social service agency refuses to provide health coverage to unmarried partners of its employees, saying to do so would violate religious doctrine.
12.07.02
Debate in campaign-finance trial shifts to hard money
As two-day trial wraps up, FEC releases more information on how it will enforce the law.
12.06.02
California Supreme Court upholds police complaint law
Court rules law against lodging knowingly false accusations against officers does not violate free-speech guarantees.
12.06.02
Russian software co. goes on trial over encryption disabling
It's the government's first criminal prosecution under the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
12.06.02
Campaign-finance law's friends, foes try to lobby court
'It's like two ships passing in the night,' says judge. 'The plaintiffs are talking about the First Amendment. The defendants are talking about the problem' of money in politics.
12.05.02
News organizations sue Kansas governor-elect over open meetings
Kathleen Sebelius wants to let teams reviewing state government meet in secret.
12.05.02
Bush signs 'kid-safe Internet' bill
Law establishes '.kids.us' domain, which president says will 'function much like the children's section of the library.'
12.05.02
Abortion-protest issue before Court boils down to protected assembly vs. illegal acts
Disagreeing with Solicitor General Theodore Olson's argument that 'the First Amendment is not an issue in this case,' Justice Anthony Kennedy replies, 'There's always a First Amendment implication in a protest case.'
12.05.02
Arizona ruling overturns limits on some sex businesses' hours
State court panel finds 1998 law violates free speech when applied to bookstores, video shops, but not nude-dancing theaters.
12.04.02
Supreme Court reviews punishing of abortion foes
Justices consider whether federal racketeering law can be used to punish anti-abortion protesters.
12.04.02
Campaign-finance law gets day in court
New law makes sense only 'if you believe regulation is the rule and free speech is the loophole,' says First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams.
12.04.02
Federal judge throws out rules on leaflets, speeches at parks
Court finds Harrisburg, Pa., ordinances hinder anti-gay protesters' free-speech rights without serving any government interest.
12.04.02
High court won't stop lawsuit against FBI stemming from magazine article
After Notra Trulock III reported concerns about Chinese espionage during Clinton administration, agents searched his computer files.
12.03.02
Lawsuit attacks Iowa flag-desecration law
Federal court asked to declare state statute unconstitutional after police told students they couldn't fly flag upside down.
12.03.02
Firefighters have right to post signs, judge rules
First Amendment protects display of signs protesting cuts in firefighting staff, district court judge rules.
12.03.02
High court turns aside opponents of 'Choose Life' plates
Justices won't review Louisiana case, in which some allege 'symbolic union' between state, Christian groups.
12.02.02
ACLU membership surges amid fears of government intrusion
Conservatives join liberals in signing up; says Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., 'I'm glad the ACLU raises the objections it does, because it forces the government and Congress to be mindful of First Amendment rights.'
12.02.02
Punishment for Web posting violated student's free speech, judge finds
Federal judge rules school district should not have suspended student for 'intimidation and threats' online.
12.02.02
Georgia high court backs hog farmer on public-figure claim
Justices rule free-speech principles protecting newspapers and broadcasters also apply to the Web.
11.30.02
Utah city to remove Ten Commandments monument
Ogden City Council decides not to appeal ruling that found city can't allow Judeo-Christian tenets yet bar other religious groups' codes.
11.30.02
U.S. to disclose which surveillance documents it will release
Justice Department agrees to tell ACLU by Jan. 15 what it will and will not make public on how it is implementing Patriot Act.
11.29.02
University won't punish fraternity members in 'blackface' incident
Tennessee officials say free speech must be protected even 'when some find it to be insensitive and offensive.'
11.29.02
Boston archdiocese must release sex-scandal documents
Judge rejects church's request that records be sealed from public view until at least January.
11.28.02
Reporters an early point of contention in Iraq inspections
Iraqis want journalists to have full access to weapons inspectors' visits; inspectors don't.
11.27.02
Hawaii pro-life group can air ads, judge rules
FEC loses early effort to enforce new campaign-finance law.
11.27.02
N.H. high court orders audit interviews, notes made public
Justices say state's interest in confidentiality doesn't outweigh law's mandate to 'provide the utmost information to the public about what its government is up to.'
11.27.02
Should press make case for or against war in Iraq?
No, says former ambassador on Newseum panel — that's the administration's job.
11.26.02
Newspaper that ran satirical piece loses 2nd appeal
Texas appeals court again rejects Dallas Observer's request that libel suit be dropped over article that parodied actual arrest of a student.
11.26.02
Judge must explain why he's allowing cameras at murder trial
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals halts trial, orders judge to respond to concerns about his decision to let 'Frontline' videotape jury deliberations in capital case.
11.26.02
Michigan man claims right to give peyote to 4-year-old son
Jonathan Fowler, member of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, says legal system is infringing on his religious freedom.
11.26.02
Arts group challenges S.C. Internet law
2001 measure makes it a crime to post photographs, other material state considers unsuitable for children.
11.25.02
Maryland city to sell parcel where Ten Commandments monument stands
Frederick officials hope unloading piece of park land will render ACLU lawsuit moot.
11.25.02
Campaign-finance law heads to court
Meanwhile, Hawaii Right to Life asks federal judge to block enforcement of ad restrictions in the new law.
11.25.02
'Safe for kids' Internet bill goes to president
Bush expected to sign measure creating '.kids.us' domain to be monitored by a government contractor for appropriate material.
11.25.02
Alabama county blocks in-school Bible distribution
Gideons representative says group will abide by decision but doesn't want any publicity for fear it would compromise Bible giveaways elsewhere.
11.23.02
Texas D.A. wants cameras barred from jury deliberations in murder case
17-year-old suspect, his mother, lawyer agree with judge's order allowing PBS' 'Frontline' to film entire capital murder trial.
11.22.02
Harvard grapples with race, law and free speech
Speech-code proposal has stirred intense debate about commitment to free expression at a school whose alumni have helped define the nation's First Amendment rights.
11.22.02
FCC commissioner calls for change in 'indecency' definition
'Too many indecency complaints from consumers and too many truly indecent broadcasts are falling through the cracks,' says Michael J. Copps.
11.22.02
S.D. high court takes oral arguments to Internet
Chief justice says service will help more people understand the legal system and learn about important cases.
11.22.02
Pennsylvania Senate passes religious-freedom measure
'The hard reality is that this bill is made necessary by a worrisome increase in antireligious sentiments and actions,' says sponsor.
11.21.02
Library to allow white supremacists to meet
Matthew Hale, leader of the World Church of the Creator, had been denied a permit by York, Pa., facility.
11.21.02
Veteran journalist relates presidential tales
During 'An Evening with Helen Thomas,' former White House correspondent shares her thoughts about the 9 presidents she covered.
11.21.02
Iowa State students applaud expanded free-speech zones
But one student leader says parts of policy that restrict size of groups, proximity to buildings still limit speech.
11.21.02
Legal experts denounce court restrictions on news media
Two separate orders issued this week in Texas county also elicit concern about public access to criminal justice system.
11.20.02
Federal judge strikes down N.Y. ban on masks at public gatherings
Klansmen can hide their faces 'even in time of war, including the war on terrorism,' says U.S. District Judge Harold Baer Jr.
11.20.02
N.H. city must let competing newspapers into public arena
County judge gives Manchester 20 days to either remove Union Leader vending machines or allow other papers in the building.
11.20.02
Page last updated: 5/1/2013 10:25:38 AM
