Free speech: Online postings change the terrain in defamation cases adding new perils

John Sharkey writing for the Citizen Media Law Project writes a real danger looms as courts deciding defamation cases concerning online postings are asked to issue injunctions restricting speech, a type of prior restraint that could be a substantial threat to the First Amendment. Sharkey says, “Even if we limit injunctive relief strictly to jury [...]

U.S. Supreme Court hears Nevada case on whether recusal rules interfere with First Amendment rights

In hearing a case on recusal rules and the First Amendment, the Supreme Court seemed to doubt that conflict of interest rules could run afoul of the First Amendment. The case concerned a Sparks city council member reprimanded for casting a vote on a issue involving his campaign manager. The man’s lawyer argued that not [...]

D.C. judge lifts gag order against legal newspaper

A judge has lifted an order that prevented a legal newspaper from publishing information found in court records that were supposed to have been shielded from public view. News August 2, 2010 By The Associated Press and First Amendment Center Online Staff WASHINGTON —The Internet blog of the National Law Journal reported on July 30 [...]

Free speech: Supreme Court reaffirms ban on death row interviews

The Supreme Court will not hear the case of a death row inmate who claimed his First Amendment rights were violated by a federal policy that banned interviews with death row inmates. -db The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press March 8, 2010 By Curry Andrews The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday said it [...]