Georgia Journalism Attorney Ward Evans presented at the 139th Annual Convention of the Georgia Press Association. Evans provided guidance on media law topics including defamation, copyright, and the Georgia Open Records Act, enabling newsrooms to increase the effectiveness of their reporting while minimizing their legal risk. This was Evans’s second year presenting at GPA’s Annual Convention.
The Issue
Media Law
The First Amendment guarantees a free press, meaning journalists are able to express any opinions they want about the government, even criticisms. However, journalists are often hindered in their ability to gather and publish news through the threat of lawsuits, subpoenas, and criminal prosecution. Read more about our support for student and professional journalists here.
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The Issue
Defamation Defense
Defamation is a false statement of fact that harms the reputation of a person, business, or organization. Journalists, news organizations, and even ordinary people can be sued for defamation, which is a common tactic to chill or silence legitimate speech and criticism. Read more about our defamation defense work here.
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The Issue
Government Transparency
Georgia’s legislature finds that transparent government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society. The state’s “sunshine laws” guarantee access to the public records and public meetings of local and state government agencies. The First Amendment and Georgia’s uniform superior court rules also protect the public’s right to observe court proceedings and review court…
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