FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently called on Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to veto “revenge pornography” legislation that could criminalize constitutionally protected speech, saying the proposed law would chill news reporting. Revenge pornography is commonly considered the sharing of images depicting adult nudity […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org Applications are now available for fellowships to the 2018 New England First Amendment Institute (NEFAI). This eighth annual institute will be held from Sept. 16-18 at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Application materials can be obtained here. All applications must be received no later than […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition and several other Rhode Island open government advocates submitted an amicus brief today arguing for the release of grand jury records in the 38 Studios proceedings. “There is an overwhelming public interest in disclosure of the 38 Studios grand […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition will present a panel discussion on freedom of speech and the press on May 23 at Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven, Mass. The discussion, titled “The First Amendment, Freedom of the Press and the Right to Read,” will be […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition and several press advocates submitted an amicus brief in Rhode Island Superior Court today contesting recent orders to keep secret a juror list and to bar contact with the jurors in a completed, high-profile murder case. The brief — […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org After considering arguments made by the New England First Amendment Coalition, a New Hampshire court last week unsealed judicial records in a case involving Nathan Carman, a Vermont resident being investigated for the murder of his wealthy grandfather and the disappearance of his mother. Family […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition has expressed “grave concerns” about a Rhode Island judge’s recent order permanently banning reporters from speaking to jurors after a high-profile murder trial, calling the judge’s order overbroad and unconstitutional. Superior Court Judge Netti C. Vogel concluded a three-week […]

Dear Friend of NEFAC, If you care about democracy, stop what you’re doing for just a moment and take this quiz: What five freedoms are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? No using Google. You have 10 seconds… 9 … 8 … 7 … How did you do? If you were able […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently called for the immediate release of civil court documents, arguing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit that access to such documents is of “substantial public interest.” NEFAC joined 40 media organizations and press advocates […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition supports a legislative effort to clarify the responsibilities of public officials under Vermont’s freedom of information laws but cautions that additional changes are still needed. Vermont House Bill 910 would add definitions to the state’s open meetings law that […]