Here We Go Again… Is Flipping the Bird Protected by the First Amendment?
Edward L. Birk May 23, 2019 in First Amendment
Tag: first amendment rights
Are you getting a sense of déjà vu just reading the headline? Maybe that’s because of this story we blogged about previously. Or even this one — which we dealt with twice! Well, our current story of flipping the bird does not involve a religious sermon or the Commander-in-Chief. Instead, we have an angry woman and a thin-skinned police officer. Back in June of 2017, Michigan police officer Matthew Minard stopped Debra Cruise-Gulyas for speeding. […]
Continue ReadingIt’s Your First Amendment Right to Follow Elected Officials on Social Media, Rules Virginia Court
Edward L. Birk Apr 4, 2019 in First Amendment
The Obama era was the first time that social media was truly recognized by elected officials as an effective tool for communicating directly with the public. Because it’s relatively new on the political scene, there are not many precedents set for how social media can lawfully be used by elected officials. However, those precedents are popping up – and quickly. Two Cases: One Open, One Shut Three years ago this month, a court ruled that […]
Continue ReadingCan a Court Squelch Public Statements by a Criminal Defendant Before Conviction?
Edward L. Birk Mar 11, 2019 in Media Law
Long-time Republican political operative, staunch Trump supporter, and self-described “dirty trickster” Roger Stone has never been one to hold his tongue in the face of controversy. Even in the wake of criminal indictment on five counts of making false statements, one count of obstructing an official proceeding, and one count of witness tampering, he betrayed no sign of avoiding the spotlight. In response to colorful public proclamations of his innocence, the federal judge hearing his […]
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