First Amendment News

Open government group launches new database to improve access to stimulus data

OMB Watch has released a beta version of a new data base on FedSpending.org to improve access and searchability of stimulus data. -DB OMB Watch Press Release December 3, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – OMB Watch released a beta version of a new database on FedSpending.org that gives the public improved access to and searchability of Recovery Act recipient report data. The database allows users to search more than 160,000 reports from recipients of almost $159

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U.S. needs federal shield law

The Senate should move forward on a federal shield law for reporters writes an ACLU blogger because such a law strengthens democracy by allowing journalists to reveal government malfeasance without fear of going to jail. -DB American Civil Liberties Union Opinion December 2, 2009 By Sandra Fulton Most people don’t realize that the American government is in the habit of locking up journalists. We are disgusted when governments like China and Cuba criminalize the press,

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Government watchdog asks Senate to investigate use of ‘Secret Holds’

Citizens for Responsiblity and Ethics in Washington has asked the Senate ethics committee to look into the practice of stalling or halting laws or nominations without public announcement given a 2007 law barring the practice. -DB Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Press Release December 2, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today asked the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate senators’ failure to abide by a provision

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Court rules anti-SLAPP law not a defense for law firm sued for malpractice

A California appeals court ruled that a law firm could not defend itself in a malpractice suit citing California’s anti-SLAPP laws since the client’s focus was on their attorney’s quality of performance rather than their speech and petitioning activities. -DB Metropolitan News-Enterprise December 3, 2009 By Kenneth Ofgang The anti-SLAPP statute does not protect a law firm from being sued for malpractice based on activities it performed on behalf of the client who later sued

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Corporation’s attempt to out anonymous online critics runs afoul of First Amendment

USA Technologies has filed a lawsuit against two message board posters who criticized the management of the publicly traded company in the light of falling stock prices and high compensation packages. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is defending the critics against subpoenas on Yahoo! seeking the identity of the posters. -DB Electronic Frontier Foundation Commentary December 2, 2009 By Matt Zimmerman A Pennsylvania publicly-traded company has become the latest corporate entity to use the legal system

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