Legal Guides
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Pennsylvania State Police must release bodycam footage related to fatal shooting, judge rules
A group of news outlets, represented by an RCFP attorney, sued for access to the footage.Categorized in Freedom of information
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In the matter of the search of the real property and premises of Hannah Natanson
RCFP is urging a federal court to order the return of a Washington Post reporter’s electronic devices.By Chris YoungCategorized in Protecting sources and materials -
Judge orders Tennessee to expand media access to executions
The judge sided with arguments RCFP attorneys made in a lawsuit on behalf of a news media coalition.Categorized in First Amendment
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Virginia Department of Corrections v. Insider, Inc.
An RCFP attorney is representing Business Insider and one of its reporters.By evespaCategorized in Freedom of information -
The FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home: What we know and why it matters
Within hours, RCFP attorneys filed in federal court seeking records on the government’s justification for the raid.Categorized in Protecting sources and materials
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The New York Times v. U.S. Department of Defense
RCFP is urging a federal court to reject the Pentagon’s media access policy.By Chris YoungCategorized in First Amendment -
In brief supporting New York Times’s lawsuit, RCFP urges federal court to reject Pentagon’s media access policy
“This case is another line in the sand when it comes to a free press,” said RCFP's Gabe Rottman.Categorized in First Amendment
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In re application of RCFP to unseal judicial records related to search warrant executed on Jan. 14, 2026
RCFP is asking a federal court to unseal records related to an FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home.By Chris YoungCategorized in Court access -
RCFP seeks to unseal court records related to FBI search of Washington Post reporter’s home
“The government cannot justify wholesale secrecy here," RCFP argues in its application to make the records public.Categorized in Court access
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Center for Investigative Reporting v. Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Center for Investigative Reporting is suing for access to records related to Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer.By Chris YoungCategorized in Freedom of information
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Guía Legal para Reportajes de Inmigración
Esta guía de RCFP explica los asuntos legales que periodistas podrán enfrentar al cubrir la deportación y la aplicación de…Categorized in Immigration
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Immigration Reporting Legal Guide
This RCFP guide helps journalists understand legal issues they may encounter while reporting on immigration enforcement and deportation.Categorized in Immigration
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Reporter’s Recording Guide
This guide covers state laws governing the recording of phone calls and in-person conversations and how those laws affect newsgathering.By Jenn TopperCategorized in Newsgathering
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Anti-SLAPP Legal Guide
This guide details each state’s laws, if any, preventing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).Categorized in Policy
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Reporter’s Privilege Compendium
This compendium details the reporter’s privilege in each state and federal circuit.Categorized in Protecting sources and materials
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Open Government Guide
This guide is a complete compendium of information on every state’s open records and open meetings laws.Categorized in Freedom of information
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Open Courts Compendium
This is a general guide to court access issues, with additional information for each state and federal circuit.Categorized in Court access
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