Everything online journalists need to protect their legal rights. This free resource culls from all Reporters Committee resources and includes exclusive content on digital media law issues.
Photographer Paul Raef was charged with violating California Vehicle Code Section 40008, which provides enhanced penalties to drivers who violate one of the state's reckless driving laws with the intent to capture a visual image or sound recording for a commercial purpose. A trial court judge dismissed the charges in Nov. 2012, concluding that Section 40008 targets First Amendment-protected activity and is not narrowly tailored to serve the government's interest.
Steven Tyler, seen here in Maui, wants to be able to sue photographers for taking unwanted pictures.
Steven Tyler is certainly not camera shy. The aging Aerosmith frontman and former “American Idol” judge memorably stripped to his underwear on the set of that talent show before plopping into a pool of water.
Steven Tyler, left, and Mick Fleetwood, right, testify about an anti-paparazzi bill. Tyler's lawyer, Dina LaPolt, center, drafted the bill.
The Hawaii anti-paparazzi bill pushed by rocker Steven Tyler has lost momentum in the state House of Representatives after flying through the Senate earlier this month.
The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee approved an anti-paparazzi bill that would allow people who are photographed on their private property or while taking part in “personal or family activities” to sue the photographer for invasion of privacy.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an amendment to California's anti-paparazzi law that will make it easier to sue media organizations that publish improperly obtained photographs, the Associated Press reports.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton criticized a proposed city law to create a “personal safety zone” protecting celebrities from aggressive paparazzi. He said the measure was vague and would be difficult to enforce.
Oh, the poor pitiable paparazzi! Even as the public -- or at least certain sizable segments of it -- clamors for "news" about Hollywood celebrities, no one is willing to defend the shutterbugs who capture those trips to the hottest nightclubs, best rehab joints or even lowly police stations.
California v. Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Raef)
Photographer Paul Raef was charged with violating California Vehicle Code Section 40008, which provides enhanced penalties to drivers who violate one of the state's reckless driving laws with the intent to capture a visual image or sound recording for a commercial purpose. A trial court judge dismissed the charges in Nov. 2012, concluding that Section 40008 targets First Amendment-protected activity and is not narrowly tailored to serve the government's interest.