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Texas open meeting law supported by FAC amicus stands

FAC September 11, 2009

The Texas Open Meetings Act supported by an FAC amicus brief withstood a constitutional challenge by former city council members who asserted the law violated their rights to exchange e-mail messages discussing city business in secret. September 10, 2009 After four years of litigation, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Dallas (5th Cir.) today  dismissed Rangra vs. Brown as moot. Although both Alpine, Texas, councilors’ terms had ended, Avinash Rangra remained an active plaintiff in

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Hard truth: Traditional journalism must innovate to survive in changing information climate

donal brown September 10, 2009

A fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Internet and Society argues that the internet has killed off the mass media with many important benefits to a thriving democratic society. -DB Center for Internet and Society Commentary September 8, 2009 By Sarah Hinchliff Pearson Sometimes changes are so basic and world-changing that they can be difficult to recognize. Having just finished Losing the News by Alex S. Jones, I was reminded again just how difficult it seems

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Puerto Rico: ACLU appeals ruling that FBI not responsible for attacking reporters

donal brown September 10, 2009

Although a federal court found the FBI agents’ attack on several journalists unconstitutional, they found that the agents could not be held responsible for their actions. -DB American Civil Liberties Union Press Release September 10, 2009 SAN JUAN, PR – The American Civil Liberties Union today filed an appeal of a federal court ruling that found that, even though there was enough evidence to prove that FBI agents violated the Fourth Amendment rights of journalists by

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Family sues school for brothers’ rights to freedom of expression

donal brown September 10, 2009

Two black brothers say their high school suspended them for displaying gang signs during a football game when they claim they only flashed a peace sign and the “hook ‘em horns” sign of the University of Texas Longhorns. -DB Courthouse News Service September 10, 2009 By Evan Prieskop ALBUQUERQUE (CN) – Two black brothers say Valley High School suspended them and threatened them with expulsion on bogus charges of “throwing gang signs” after a football game.

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Pittsburgh: Federal jury to hear middle finger suit

donal brown September 9, 2009

In the heat of a parking dispute, an angry citizen raised his middle finger to a police officer and was cited for obscene gestures and vulgar language. The man is now suing for damages claiming his gestures and profanities were protected under the First Amendment.  -DB Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW September 7, 2009 By Brian Bowling A federal jury this week will hear a Regent Square man’s claims that Pittsburgh police routinely violate people’s right to free speech

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