legal work

Amicus Briefs

legal work

Amicus Briefs

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 Joins Brief Urging California Supreme Court to Hold That Internet Content Providers Have a Right Under the First Amendment to Defend Speech on Their Websites

FAC recently joined an amicus brief urging the California Supreme Court to overrule a lower court’s conclusion that Yelp could be required to remove content from its website — even though Yelp never had notice and an opportunity to challenge such an order. The ruling contradicts fundamental First Amendment principles,

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Brown signs “Richard McKee bill” to tighten Brown Act enforcement

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

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legal work archives

Amici Digests

From the archives: Read past year digests of amicus curiae briefs FAC supported.