Defending Democracy's Fundamentals
Free speech, a free press, and the public’s right to know are essential to engaged and informed communities.
News
Latest News-
ADVOCACY
FAC Warns Defamation Threat Is an Attack on Free Speech
August 11, 2026
A transit board member threatened members of the public with defamation lawsuits in response to comments made at a public meeting.
-
BLOG
How the San Francisco Chronicle revealed the deadly toll of misdiagnoses and delayed care in ICE detention
August 5, 2026
Two San Francisco Chronicle reporters talk about the hurdles they faced reporting on deaths in immigration detention.
-
CASES
Court Rules Vallejo Must Release Video Footage of Controversial Police Shooting
July 24, 2026
The City of Vallejo must release video recordings from the August 2025 police shooting of Alexander Schumann.
-
BLOG
FAC Co-Sponsors a Bill That Will Shine a Light on Immigration Detention
July 22, 2026
Why a change to state law is vital to help illuminate the immigration detention system, which has long avoided transparency.
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
Championing open government, press protections, and free expression in California.
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
-
Asked & Answered
A searchable database of responses to questions posed by Legal Hotline users about open-government laws and the First Amendment.
-
Handbooks
Detailed guides on open meetings and open records, with sample letters for you to customize.
-
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.
-
Explainers
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to our Legal Hotline.