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 urged the California Supreme Court to take up a Public Records Act case over access to COVID-19 data.
Honking a car horn as part of a political protest is expressive speech protected by the First Amendment, FAC lawyers tell the Ninth Circuit.
Read FAC’s amicus brief in Vera Serova v. Sony Music Entertainment, No. S260736
The court has the opportunity to remind public agencies that the right of access to information is a matter of law, not whim
Daly v. Board of Supervisors of San Bernardino County, No. S260209 Read the amicus brief filed by the First Amendment Coalition Update: On Aug. 9, 2021, the California Supreme Court reversed the Fourth District Court of Appeal (opinion). Court: California Supreme Court About the case: The San Bernardino Board of
Caldwell v. People of California Read the amicus brief in Caldwell v. People of California on behalf of FAC, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Los Angeles Times Update: The gag order was vacated by the trial court on Oct. 22, 2020, at the request of
From the archives: Read past year digests of amicus curiae briefs FAC supported.