FAC seeks to strengthen and defend governmental transparency and the First Amendment. One way we do that is by filing briefs or letters in selected cases as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court.” In doing so, FAC is able to offer the important perspective and expertise of an advocacy organization dedicated to advancing and protecting free speech, a free press and public participation in civic affairs. FAC prioritizes cases involving California sunshine laws, including the California Public Records Act and the Ralph M. Brown Act, along with cases affecting freedom of expression and newsgathering rights. To submit a request for amicus support in a case, please contact legal [at] firstamendmentcoalition.org.
FAC files proposed amicus brief in case challenging Fresno ordinance UPDATE: On May 24, 2022, U.S. District Judge Dale Drozd granted the plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction blocking the city’s enforcement of the problematic portion of the ordinance, citing First Amendment concerns. Read the order. Case: Martinez et al.
The public has a right of access to search warrant materials and should be able to challenge indefinite, wholesale secrecy.
FAC urges California Supreme Court to take up important case over remote access to courtroom proceedings.
The Second District Court of Appeal should dissolve an injunction blocking the release of autopsy reports.
The state’s high court should step in to protect the integrity of California’s public records law, FAC argued.
FAC urged the California Supreme Court to take up a Public Records Act case over access to COVID-19 data.
From the archives: Read past year digests of amicus curiae briefs FAC supported.
FAC has joined, or agreed to join, a number of amicus briefs since December 2016. FAC Joined Amicus Briefs Rand v. City of Carson—Amicus brief to the California Supreme Court urging a broader interpretation of the “public interest” component of California’s anti-SLAPP statute. At least two competing standards have arisen under California law regarding what constitutes “public interest” — one far too narrow, and the other more broad. The amicus brief joined by FAC urges the high court to disapprove the former and adopt the latter. Dual Diagnostic Treatment Center v. Buschel—Amicus letter to the California Supreme Court urging that
