In June 2020, the First Amendment Clinic created an information sheet for journalists on how to prepare, how to respond, and what to expect when police detain or arrest you in the course of newsgathering.

An image of an open newspaper held up by two women, one of which is pointing to a headline.

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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