ACLU

Free speech: Federal appeals court rules man can pursue suit over firing from government job

A former chief prosecutor at Guantanamo fired from his job at the Library of Congress for criticizing the Obama administration in op-ed pieces in major newspapers can pursue his case against the library to get his job back according to a ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.  -db From a commentary for the American Civil Liberties Union, June 1, 2012, by Josh Bell. Full story    

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Reporter loses bid to obtain secret interpretation of Patriot Act

A federal district judge ruled against a New York Times reporter’s request for a government secret interpretation of a section of the Patriot Act. The judge said releasing the interpretation would jeopardize national security by exposing intelligent sources and methods. -db From the Courthouse News Service, May 18, 2012, by Adam Klasfeld. Full story  

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Illinois eavesdropping law loses round in federal appeals court

The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Illinois could not enforce their eavesdropping law that makes it illegal to make recordings of police officers in public without their permission. The appeals court wrote, “The Illinois eavesdropping statute restricts far more speech than necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests.” -db From the Chicago Tribune, May 8, 2012, by Ryan Haggerty. Full story    

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Chicago pledges not to enforce eavesdropping law during NATO summit

Chicago police won’t enforce Illinois’ controversial eavesdropping law during the NATO summit in May. The law makes it a felony to record a police officer without his or her consent. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Chicago to protest the summit, and civil rights advocates feared that police could use the eavesdropping law to arrest otherwise law-abiding protesters. -db From the Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2012, by Ryan Haggerty. Full story  

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Philadelphia arrest student photojournalist for photographing officers making traffic stop

In the latest incident of police arresting citizens taking photos of them in the course of their duties, Philadelphia police arrested a Temple University student. The police were making a routine traffic stop outside his home. The department established guidelines on the issue last September that ordered them to expect photos, videotaping and  audio recording and to allow those to proceed while discharging their duties in public areas. -db From the Reporters Committee for Freedom

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