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-
Blog
Why the Fight for Court Access Is So Important - Even When It Fails
If nobody speaks out, there’s not even a chance that the rights of the public and press will prevail.
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Advocacy
Coalition Demands California Officials Respect Role of Press at Homeless Encampment Sweeps
The groups called on state officials to respect the role of the press in observing and documenting sweeps of homeless encampments.
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Cases
Reporter Sues Alameda County for Sideshow Law That Criminalizes Journalism
The law prevents Oaklandside reporter Jose Fermoso from covering sideshows as a newsworthy public safety issue.
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Event
Behind the Headlines: A Public Records Training Session for Journalists
This session covered strategies for acquiring public records, tricks for overcoming barriers, ideas for stories that have impact, and included legal expertise from FAC.
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.
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