A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against a Louisiana law that criminalized approaching police officers within 25 feet after being ordered to retreat, citing vagueness and potential First Amendment violations. The law, which took effect on August 1, lacked clear standards, inviting arbitrary enforcement. Media outlets challenged it, arguing it restricted their ability to observe and report on police activities. The judge's decision suggests serious implications for press freedoms and calls into question the law's intent and implementation.
The law's vagueness could lead to arbitrary enforcement, infringing on First Amendment rights to gather news, the judge ruled.
Judge deGravelles observed that the law lacked clear standards for police to issue a retreat order, increasing the risk of discriminatory enforcement.
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