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.
An open-government coalition led by FAC has filed an amicus brief in a California freedom-of-information case involving access to data of government contractors that the contractors are required, under their agreements wth local government, to create and maintain. In Flynn v. Los Angeles a PRA requester seeks information in databases
The measure strengthening the public’s ability to enforce the Brown Act was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown last week. Known as the “Richard McKee Act,” the legislation allows members of the public to send local government bodies a cease-and-desist letter if they believe government agencies have violated the
From the archives: Read past year digests of amicus curiae briefs FAC supported.