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-
BLOG
Despite Transparency Laws, FAC is Still Fighting for Police Records
Years after California’s landmark police transparency laws went into effect, FAC is still fighting for public disclosure of records about shootings and use of force.
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BLOG
How Reporter Robert J. Lopez Fought for Public Records on Child Farmworkers in California
Two-plus years of reporting revealed systemic state government failures.
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ADVOCACY
FAC Joins Press and Advocacy Groups Condemning Arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort
"The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is NOT a crime," the groups write.
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RESOURCE
Introducing Our Reporter’s Field Guide: Data Sources in California
A guide to publicly available data in California on criminal justice, education, the environment, state and local finances and more.
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.
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.
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.
Get email updates
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