Defending Free Speech, a Free Press, and the Public's Right to Know
FAC believes engaged and informed communities are essential to the health of our democracy.
News
Latest News-
NEWS
Court Rules LAPD Likely Violated Journalists’ Rights
The court granted a preliminary injunction and issued an order protecting the right of journalists to cover protests without interference by LAPD.
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Resource
Reporter's Field Guide: Police Shootings
This guide is designed to help reporters covering immigration enforcement in California understand access to state and local public records, immigration courts and detention centers.
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NEWS
Court Rules Against Huntington Beach Censorship Scheme
With ACLU NorCal, ACLU SoCal, Community Legal Aid SoCal, and Jenner & Block, FAC challenged the library censorship scheme under the state's Freedom to Read Act.
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NEWS
Victory! Appeals Court Rules Sideshow Spectator Law Likely Violates First Amendment
FAC represents Oaklandside reporter Jose Antonio Garcia, who is prevented by the Alameda County law from covering sideshows as a newsworthy public safety issue.
Legal Hotline
Have a question about access to public records, participating in government meetings or First Amendment concerns? We have a dedicated group of lawyers ready to help.
What We Do
Our Work
Cases
Cases
Holding governments accountable at the local, state, and federal levels; supporting journalists and citizens in how to enforce their First Amendment rights.
Advocacy
Advocacy
We engage in advocacy around crucial issues affecting government transparency, press rights, and the people’s right to know.
Press Freedom Initiative
Press Freedom Initiative
Ensuring access to qualified legal counsel when journalists face a subpoena seeking confidential sources or other protected materials.
Free Speech & Open Government Award
Free Speech & Open Government Award
Honoring the year’s best contributions towards the advancement of open government.
Get email updates
Subscribe to receive news, resources, and event and training invitations from the First Amendment Coalition.
Resources
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Asked & Answered
A searchable database of responses to questions posed by Legal Hotline users about open-government laws and the First Amendment.
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Handbooks
Detailed guides on open meetings and open records, with sample letters for you to customize.
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Training
FAC holds live and virtual events to tackle some of the most pressing free speech, free press and government transparency issues of the day.
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Explainers
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to our Legal Hotline.