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Showing 1741 - 1750 of 1858 results

Asked and Answered

Social Media

Facebook community target of a self-proclaimed “troll army”

[…] give me. I belonged to a Facebook community that became a target of a self-proclaimed "troll army" which exists solely to silence opposing viewpoints. They do this by encouraging all members to report pages and posts they don't like, regardless of whether Facebook policy has been violated. They also share target pages with each […]

November 13, 2014
Asked and Answered

Is it Fair Use to post musical film clips for a history class?

I am an educator who set up a 501(c(3) to teach American history through the music of Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter, etc. by narrating film clips of their movies. Mrs. Gene Kelly inquired how I have the right to use these film clips without permission. I have prepared a letter in response and was […]

June 15, 2015
Asked and Answered

Newsgathering

Requesting tax information from a non-profit organization

[…] am a reporter currently working on a series of articles on a local nonprofit. I know that as a 501(c)3 nonprofits have to file financial information with the IRS and are required to show the 990 form to anyone who asks. As a journalist and member of the public, can I request financial information […]

August 19, 2010
Asked and Answered

First Amendment

Can a newspaper be sued for the content of a letter to the editor?

I am a owner and publisher of a local community newspaper. We printed a letter to the editor that named a person in the community and mentioned their family in regards to legal matters and other issues they were dealing with. Now the person the letter referenced is suing my newspaper, claiming defamation of character. Not […]

August 14, 2015
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Can new board member get updated on past closed sessions?

I am a newly elected school board member. Our upcoming agenda will contain a closed session item that has also been discussed in closed session prior to my appointment. Can I ask the staff and board members who participated in the prior closed session to divulge what was discussed?

November 28, 2011
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Legal Hotline

The Legal Hotline gives users quick, free access to FAC’s lawyers for questions about access to public records and your right to attend government meetings in California; access to court documents and proceedings in California and federal courts; and First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and freedom of the press. For reporters on […]

June 12, 2024
Asked and Answered

First Amendment

Is banning R-rated films from classroom censorship?

[…] to be shown in the class. Recently, despite there being no objections from students or parents, the district has put a blanket ban on R-rated movies, despite the fact that there has been no policy change. Teachers feel this is censorship in the classroom by preventing us from teaching the curriculum they have already approved.

December 30, 2010
Asked and Answered

First Amendment Police Records

I couldn’t video tape my own arrest, but a reality show was allowed

[…] remote campground where I had been sitting in my car trying to sleep. My blood alcohol level was .11 and I was charged with a DUI. During the arrest, a reality TV show camera crew tagging along with the wardens filmed the whole event--including that the wardens were harassing a woman wearing only a […]

September 4, 2011
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Rules for noticing city council study session

City Council posted a notice for a Special Meeting (Study Session). Then during the "meeting" it was referred to as a workshop and there was no record of the meeting kept. Study sessions have audios and council meetings are televised. Additionally, there is a pdf that lists the "consensus" of the council regarding chartering […]

April 16, 2013
Asked and Answered

First Amendment

Protesting on school grounds

[…] front of a school about school practices or policies? For example, have a banner or sign that read's "[This] high school left my kid behind! and stand in the front of the school near where kids are dropped off or picked up so their parents are aware. Can I pass out flyers on the subject?

June 14, 2009