The University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic work recognized with an Open Government Hero award from the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.
The Foundation’s 2026 Charles L. Weltner Banquet brought together lawyers, judges, journalists, and open government advocates to celebrate at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta. The event honored longtime legal affairs journalist Bill Rankin and commemorated the public-interest impact of the First Amendment Clinic. The Foundation and the Clinic frequently partner on developing free, publicly available resources and trainings; providing research and consultation to journalists and engaged citizens; and authoring amicus briefs in the Georgia appellate courts. Clinic director Clare Norins is a Foundation board member.
The Issue
Free Speech
The First Amendment protects the right of private individuals to engage in speech and expression without being censored or punished by the government because of their viewpoint. While the government may constitutionally regulate the time, place, and manner of private speech in public forums it must do so in a viewpoint-neutral manner and, depending on…
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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
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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