First Amendment News

Internet censorship: China may suffer long-term economic damage from closing down Google

Experts are saying that while China may feel the need to maintain control through censorship, but it may be doing itself great harm by allowing Google to abandon China and weakening the country’s links to the global economy. -db The New York Times March 23, 2010 By Michael Wines BEIJING — This is a nation that builds dams, high-speed rail lines and skyscrapers with abandon. In newly muscular China, sheer force is not just an

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New York Times settles defamation claim in Singapore

The New York Times Company settled a claim brought by leaders in the Singapore government apologizing and paying over $100,000 to the leaders. Singapore leaders have a history of bringing defamation claims for statements that would be considered protected under the First Amendment in the United States. -db The New York Times March 24, 2010 By Richard Pérez-Peña The New York Times Company has settled a claim by leaders of Singapore’s government that they were

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Florida legislature sends governor new law monitoring nonpolitical organizations during elections

The Florida legislature passed a bill that reforms the “electioneering”  law found unconstitutional last year for violating free speech rights. The law still requires some nonpolitical organizations active in elections to register with the state and submit financial reporting requirements but excludes those focusing entirely on issues. The bill also revived controversial “leadership funds” for financing political candidates. -db Miami Herald March 24, 2010 By Bill Kaczor (AP) After a sharp Senate debate Wednesday, a

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Federal court says Oregon law regulating initiatives does not violate First Amendment

A federal court judge ruled that Oregon’s regulations on gathering signatures for voter initiatives did not prevent petitioners from exercising their rights to free speech. -db The Oregonian March 24, 2010 By Jeff Mapes Oregon’s tough restrictions on paid initiative canvassers have been upheld by a federal judge who ruled they did not violate the free-speech rights of petitioners. In an attempt to cut down on initiative fraud, the Legislature in 2007 passed a sweeping

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Provision of health care reform requires drug companies to report payments to doctors

A provision of the national health care law passed last week allows the public to know the gifts and payments made to doctors and teaching hospitals by pharmaceutical companies. -db California Watch Commentary March 24, 2010 By Christina Jewett A little-noticed provision in the health reform bill will shed significant light on the payments drug and device companies make to doctors and teaching hospitals in California and the rest of the nation. The section of

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