'Seinfeld' quiz book violates producers' copyrights in show

Article Abstract:

The US 2d Circuit Court of Appeals stated the Carol Publishing Company violated copyright law when it issued a book entitled "The Seinfeld Aptitude Test." The book used material that appeared on the "Seinfeld" television show, which was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment. The federal District Court in New York granted summary judgment in favor of Castle Rock Entertainment. The appellate court upheld the decision, stating the book copied material that originally sprang from the television show's creators.

Copyright, Copyrights, Performing arts, Seinfeld (Television program)

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'Son of Sam' royalties law violates First Amendment

Article Abstract:

The Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that the Criminal Royalties Distribution Act was unconstitutional because it is content-specific and therefore restricts protected First Amendment speech. The state law attempts to compensate the victims and prevent the criminal from profiting from the crime. However, the court found that it was not the best way to meet the state's interest because it focused on profits from an expressive activity rather than all of the criminal's assets.

Interpretation and construction, Constitutional law, Constitutional interpretation, Restitution, Rhode Island, Son of Sam laws

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Author owed more explanation on 'national security' denial

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the 2d Circuit ruled in Halpern v. FBI that a request for law enforcement records under the Freedom of Information Act, refused for national security reasons, should get attentive government consideration but that the government need not be specific in its refusal. The appeals court also ruled that any FBI record was a law enforcement record, even if the investigation it describes turns out to be without merit.

Freedom of information, Security classification (Government documents)

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