Legal Guides
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With free legal help from Reporters Committee, Pennsylvania newspaper wins battle for police bodycam footage
The recordings helped dispel rumors about the police response to a mass shooting in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, last year.By Vivian RongCategorized in Policing and corrections
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Reporters Committee statement on DHS changes to foreign journalist visas
“Changing the terms of foreign journalists' visas might appear subtle, but it can have profound implications for press freedom.”Categorized in Announcements
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Reporters Committee statement on subpoenas seeking New York Times reporters’ testimony
Several New York Times journalists received subpoenas seeking their testimony before a grand jury.Categorized in Announcements
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Weber v. City of Allentown
The news outlet seeks records that could shed light on how police use license plate reader data.Categorized in Policing and corrections -
Memphis judge blocks juvenile court from unlawfully shutting reporters out of proceedings
The judge sided with a news media coalition represented by an RCFP attorney.Categorized in Local Legal Initiative
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Government ‘gag’ policies are far too common. It’s time to push back.
Reporters Committee attorneys are helping journalists challenge these obstructive policies.By Kris CundiffCategorized in First Amendment
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How free legal support from RCFP helped ProPublica uncover SpaceX’s foreign investors
RCFP helped ProPublica unseal a list of SpaceX’s private investors, including a businessman with ties to Chinese military contractors.By Chris YoungCategorized in National security
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It’s time for Congress to reform FOIA. Here’s how RCFP would do it.
A decade after the last FOIA reform, RCFP shares its wishlist for improving the well-intended but deeply flawed law.By Chris YoungCategorized in Freedom of information
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A New York school district started ignoring a local journalist. A letter from RCFP got it to stop.
Journalist Michael Balter contacted RCFP’s free Legal Hotline after a school district refused to respond to his requests for comment.By Vivian RongCategorized in Education
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RCFP: Interviews on ‘The View’ should be exempt from FCC’s equal time rule
The FCC is investigating “The View” under a rule that requires broadcasters to give equal time to opposing political candidates.Categorized in First Amendment
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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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