Will SCOTUS Bless the 'Obstruction' Tool for Speech Suppression?
The Supreme Court ruling on obstruction charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot may impact the cases of approximately 350 individuals, including Donald Trump, and could also protect First Amendment rights. [ more ]
An appeals court has upheld a gag order against Donald Trump in the federal election interference case, narrowing its scope but affirming the restrictions imposed by the trial court.
The court rejected Trump's arguments that the limited gag order violated his First Amendment rights, noting that participants in court cases are subject to different rules than the public at large and that restrictions are permissible when narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling interest. [ more ]
Supreme Court lets Texas keep enforcing age-verification law for porn sites
The US Supreme Court denied blocking a Texas law requiring age verification on porn sites, affecting Pornhub and other sites, with potential impact on First Amendment rights. [ more ]
CEO of Austin-based BookPeople 'ecstatic' over decision blocking law that restricts library books - Austin Monitor
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked a Texas law that restricts the availability of certain books in school libraries.
The law requires vendors to rate books based on their sexual content and references and requires parental consent for students to check out 'sexually relevant' books. [ more ]
ByteDance promised to sue if the U.S. bans TikTok. Legal experts weigh in on what it means for users
Legislation signed by President Biden could force ByteDance to sell TikTok in the U.S., facing a potential ban, raising concerns about First Amendment rights and national security implications. [ more ]
Democrats Want to Limit Protests at the Chicago Convention. Activists Have Other Plans
Protest organizers plan to march near the Democratic National Convention site to highlight concerns about Palestinian rights and urge Biden to change policies. [ more ]
Don't Fall for the Latest Changes to the Dangerous Kids Online Safety Act
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has been amended but is still considered unconstitutional and a censorship bill.
KOSA grants government officials the power to decide what information can be shared online and still allows state attorneys general to target online services they don't like. [ more ]
Victory! Montana's Unprecedented TikTok Ban is Unconstitutional
A federal court in Montana has ruled that the state's ban on TikTok violates users' First Amendment rights to speak and access information online.
The court found that Montana's ban on TikTok was not narrowly tailored to address the state's concerns about protecting minors and consumers' privacy. [ more ]
They were arrested at a pro-Palestinian sit-in. Now, three UMass students aren't allowed to study abroad.
UMass Amherst students have had their study abroad eligibility revoked after participating in a campus protest in support of Palestinians.
The students argue that they are facing harsh punishment because of their political views, while the university claims they are following standard policies. [ more ]