FAC, ACLU Sue for Public Access to Kern County Superior Court
BAKERSFIELD — A cornerstone of our democracy is that court hearings and trials are not held in secret. But that’s what happening in Kern County
FAC
June 26, 2020
OUR MISSION
FAC is an award winning nonprofit dedicated to advancing free speech, open government and public participation in civic affairs.
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We're proud to offer a free membership to those who want to join our fight to defend the First Amendment and protect the people's right to know.
Have a question about access to records, open meetings, or other First Amendment concerns? We have a dedicated group of lawyers ready to help.
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COVID-19 RESPONSE
Find new resources and updates about our open-government advocacy amid the coronavirus emergency.
The Bryan Carmody Story | In Depth
FAC stepped in after SFPD executed five search warrants on the San Francisco journalist.
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FAC to California Judiciary: End Court Secrecy Now
The First Amendment Coalition today called on California judicial leaders to put a stop to widespread court secrecy that has occurred throughout the coronavirus pandemic and ensure
FAC
June 15, 2020
California Supreme Court Stops Cities From Charging Steep Fees for Video Redactions
The California Supreme Court today issued an opinion preventing government agencies from charging the public for editing and compiling police body camera footage and other
FAC
May 28, 2020
WHAT WE DO
FAC’s greatest asset is our 30 year legal record of holding governments accountable at the local, state, and federal levels, supporting journalists and citizens in how to enforce their First Amendment rights
FAC regularly holds public forums that bring lawyers, journalists and citizens together from coast to coast to advance the discussion on government transparency, free speech and citizen engagement.
Now more than ever we need people who fight to defend our rights. Every year FAC recognizes First Amendment champions who have made outstanding contributions to government transparency.
We engage in oversight of the legislative process, working with legislators and providing testimony in support of First Amendment-friendly bills, and against bills that would turn the clock back.
WHAT WE OFFER
The Legal Hotline gives users quick, free access to FAC’s lawyers for questions about access to public records; your right to attend government meetings; and access to court documents.
A&A is a searchable database of questions posed by users like you about their rights under open government laws and first amendment safeguards that have been answered by FAC’s attorneys.
FAC’s resources for using California (CPRA) and federal (FOIA) laws to obtain public records, including FAC’s CPRA Primer; the text of the CPRA, and a template for a CPRA request letter.
Resources for California’s open-meetings law, including our Brown Act Primer on how the law works; the text of the Ralph M. Brown Act and a sample “Cure & Correct” demand letter.
The S.D.I. aims to provide pro bono or reduced-rate counsel trained in the intricacies of subpoena defense to defend journalists — particularly those from small, independent and nonprofit media outlets.
Major Support Provided By:
Jonathan Logan Family Foundation
Craig Newmark
Philanthropies
Will Hearst
The Hearst Foundations
First Look Media, Inc.
The James B. McClatchy Foundation
Rowland & Patricia Rebele
Carol & Doug Melamed
Donald E. Graham
California Press Foundation
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