firstamendment

Can reporters photograph public school students? Q: Is it legal for schools to restrict newspaper photographers from shooting students whose parents have filled out forms stating that they are not allowed to be photographed? A: In general, school administrators may not require written parental permission before allowing members of the news media to interview students on the grounds students also have a federal constitutional right to freedom of speech.  (See 79 Cal. Op. Att’y. Gen.

Government facilities available for public use Q: I have a city council member using city council chambers, on private time, to hold an event for her non-profit – which is dedicated to putting the motto “In God We Trust” into council chambers across California and the nation. She is being charged a fee. I wonder if this is appropriate us of taxpayer funded facilities to promote a personal controversial issue that challenges the separation of

Can cities discriminate between political and commercial signs on public property? Q: Our city claims we can not put political signs in the public right of way unless we have a person stationed there to watch them.  They have taken many of our signs and now they want to fine us.  They have real estate signs there and other monument-type signs regarding new developments in the right of way.  Is a City justified in inhibiting

Right to photograph in public/private forums Q: We have been told by a small-community postmaster, and a higher-up in a regional office, that we cannot photograph the inside of the tiny lobby for a story about small community life. They say it is “our policy” but will cite no specific law. We’ve also asked for access behind the window to shoot a picture of a clerk helping a customer. Same answer. Any legal prohibition here?

Can I publish the name of a minor involved in a crime? Q: We printed the name of a 17-year-old arrested for car jacking. Now the mother is complaining and said we should not have legally named her kid. Does she have a case? A: In general, under the First Amendment the truthful publication of the identity of a juvenile who has been accused of a serious crime cannot be punished.  See Smith v. Daily