During the Fall 2022 semester, the University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic trained over 70 local officials and more than 50 librarians around the state on the First Amendment right to record and how to appropriately respond to First Amendment auditors.
A “First Amendment audit” refers to the practice of exercising one’s First Amendment right to video-record in public spaces such as libraries, police stations, town halls, and parking lots. First Amendment auditors typically post their recordings online to be viewed by others. Successful audits are where the person recording is treated the same as if they did not have a camera. “Failed” audits involve confrontations where the auditor is told to stop recording and may be threatened with or subjected to a trespass notice, arrest, or other adverse action. “Failed” audits can result in costly liability for the officials and municipalities involved.
Many thanks to Fall 2022 Clinic students Mackenzie Ferguson and Colton Carpenter for developing and delivering the training to:
- Northeast Georgia Librarians
- Georgia Municipal Association Members
- Members of the Georgia Library Association and Georgia Library Media Association
In Spring 2023, the Clinic provided training on responding to First Amendment audits to:
- members of Georgia law enforcement fulfilling training requirements under the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Act
- the Dekalb County Library System
The Issue
Right to Record
The First Amendment generally protects the right to gather information about what public officials do on public property, which includes the right to record matters of public interest. Although this right is clearly established, some government officials try to prevent or retaliate against those who record them. Read more about our advocacy for the right…
Explore Issue