Military ban on media coverage of arrival ceremonies upheld

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in JB Pictures v. Department of Defense (DOD) that DOD regulations restricting press access to ceremonies for arriving deceased soldiers did not violate the First Amendment. Media agencies were barred from the arrival in the US of remains and could only attend local ceremonies if given permission by family members. The Court found that this was not viewpoint discrimination because the press was not being restricted from reporting on the return of deceased soldiers, only from being present at the services.

United States, Media coverage, Military personnel, Memorial service, Memorial services

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Prison officials suspend face-to-face interviews: alleged concerns over security, notoriety, and victims' rights prompt action

Article Abstract:

The California Youth and Adult Correction Agency has suspended press access to prisoner to do face-to-face interviews. The move is a response to security concerns, victims' rights advocates and the concern that tabloid coverage of prisoners will glamorize crime. Mail and phone contact is still allowed, but both may be monitored. Face-to-face contact is now limited to tours and visiting hours, with use of reporting and recording tools restricted. Press organizations have opposed this policy as an encroachment on First Amendment rights.

Interview, Prisoners, Prisons

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Screenwriter ordered to testify in O.J. Simpson double-murder trial

Article Abstract:

A North Carolina Court of Appeals overturned a trial court order and ruled that screenwriter Laura Hart McKinny was a material witness that could be compelled to testify in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. McKinny taped interviews that she had with police detective Mark Fuhrman in which he repeatedly used a word that he testified he had not used. The court rejected arguments that testifying would cause her undue hardship and failed to address economic harm and First Amendment issues.

Testimony, North Carolina, Fuhrman, Mark, McKinny, Laura Hart

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