States restrict media access to prisons: federal magistrate finds Abu-Jamal ban violated rights

Article Abstract:

Media organizations are opposing efforts in a number of states to restrict media access to death row inmates. Illinois has backed away from a total ban on face-to-face interviews with death row inmates, and hearings are being held in California to reconsider the proposed restriction on such interviews. A federal court found that Mumia Abu-Jamal's civil rights were violated by officials that read his mail and denied the press access to him. A Maryland judge has restricted photography of prisoners, and federal prisons are restricting access to inmates with terrorist connections.

California, South Carolina, Illinois, Media coverage, Maryland, Prisoners, Government and the press, Press policy

---

States restrict data on drivers, victims, some meetings; sex offender data, juvenile courts, computer databases see more openness

Article Abstract:

Review of recent state legislative activity regarding access to public records and freedom of information reveals contrasting trends that both may be attributable to crime concerns. Some state governments are allowing citizens to opt out of public records systems in response to stalking concerns. Others are promoting release of information regarding known sex offenders and release of the names of violent offenders, even if they are under age. Other government recordkeeping changes involve motor vehicle records and charging for access to records.

Public records, Surveys, Information services, State government, Freedom of information, states

---

New Internet law intended to restrict minors' access to 'harmful' material

Article Abstract:

The Child Online Protection Act was signed into law by Pres Bill Clinton on Oct 21, 1998, as part of the fiscal 1999 budget package. The Act differs from the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which was overturned by the US Supreme Court. The Communications Decency Act prohibited any dissemination of "obscene or indecent" material to minors. The Child Online Protection Act prohibits the dissemination over the World Wide Web of any material that is "harmful to minors."

United States, Freedom of speech, Access control, World Wide Web, Obscenity (Law), Obscenity, Computer files

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: New state laws improve access, allow sanctions against violators. Hawaii judge releases tapes in first test of new law
• Abstracts: State registry. Grant money: Access to state operations reveals spending run amok. Uncivil servants: getting records on state employee discipline requires significant test of public records law
• Abstracts: Access to places. New state regulations, court rulings restrict media access to prisons
• Abstracts: New police radio systems could cut out reporters: some law enforcement jurisdictions limit media access with scrambled transmissions
• Abstracts: Rape victim's identity ruled matter of public concern. Court recognizes privacy claims in case over nude vacation photos

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.