THE NEFAC REPORT | April 2015
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NEFAC Files Amicus in Speech Case:
Statute Presents 'Grave Concerns' to Press
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The New England First Amendment Coalition recently filed an amicus brief with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court arguing that a statute criminalizing false campaign speech presents "grave concerns" to the freedom of the press. The statute - M.G.L. c. 56 � 42 - criminalizes the publication of "any false statement in relation to any candidate for nomination or election to public office, which is designed or tends to aid or to injure or defeat such candidate." [More]
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The Right to Film the Police
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Taking photographs of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is a constitutional right - and that includes recording police and other government officials as they carry out their duties. Unfortunately, there is a widespread, continuing pattern of law enforcement officers ordering people to stop taking photographs or recording video from public places, and harassing, detaining and arresting those who fail to comply. [More]
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Egyptian Comedian Youssef to Discuss
Satire in Changing International Landscape
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Satirist Bassem Youssef, considered by many to be the Arab world's Jon Stewart, recently compared his free speech battles in Egypt to those fought in the United States. "We would like to tell ourselves that accepting satire is a sign of progress," Youssef said. "But the truth is even free societies don't always celebrate free speech." Youssef will discuss satire and free speech from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 1 at Prince Lobel Tye, LLP, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 2200, in Boston. NEFAC is co-sponsoring the event. [More]
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Be Careful on Information Compromise
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Some key Connecticut legislators are telling us to compromise on how much the people can know about crime and punishment, how much we can know about how the police are protecting the public from alleged criminals. I'm not sure how to compromise on the right of the people to know what its government is doing in their name. [More]
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NEFAC Announces Leadership Additions; Journalism, Media Experts Join Board
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The New England First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce the addition of five members to its Board of Directors. "These individuals are proven advocates for the First Amendment and the public's right to know," said Justin Silverman, NEFAC's executive director. "We are honored to have them join NEFAC and to help lead our coalition." [More]
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OTHER FOI AND FIRST AMENDMENT NEWS
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