High court takes up crisis centers’ abortion information challenge
The Supreme Court of the United States is hearing arguments in a free speech fight over California’s attempt to regulate anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers.
First Amendment
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ACLU reminder: student protesters have rights
In advance of Wednesday’s National School Walkout, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is reminding public school administrators, principals and school board members that students have First Amendment rights.
ACLU of Indiana sues county over ‘not my mayor’ sign
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against Randolph County after a Winchester resident was ordered to remove a sign from her yard expressing opposition of an elected official in her city.
COA: State Fair board did not chill china painter’s free speech
The Indiana Court of Appeals gave a cold reception to a painter’s argument that the Indiana State Fair Board’s power to ban her from art competitions at the annual state fair “chilled” her right to free speech.
Gerrymandering challenges keep rising
Attorneys at Faegre Baker Daniels LLP are part of the legal team representing Michigan voters who filed a complaint in December over partisan gerrymandering. The suit brought to seven the number of such challenges filed since 2016 and fueled hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule the practice unconstitutional and offer guidance for how to draw district lines.
RFRA’s unintended consequences
Indiana Senate Bill 101, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, was signed by then-Gov. Mike Pence on March 26, 2015. An amendment was then signed the following month. Since, RFRA has been cited in a few unexpected ways.
Church of Cannabis seeks sanctuary in RFRA; Hill asks court to rule for state
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has asked a court to rule in the state’s favor against what he calls “a small group of marijuana enthusiasts operating in Indianapolis under the name ‘First Church of Cannabis.’” An attorney for the church said he was thrilled at Hill’s response to its lawsuit on religious freedom grounds.
Opponents in LGBT case agree: It’s not about wedding cake
In a legal case with profound implications for LGBT rights and religion’s place in public life, the opposing sides agree on this: It's not about the cake.
First Amendment suit challenging Charter School Act proceeds
A federal lawsuit alleging Indiana’s Charter School Act violates the First Amendment Establishment Clause will proceed after a district court judge declined to dismiss a portion of the complaint against a Monroe County charter school.
In legal gray area, social media use may impact work life
For employment attorneys, an ever-growing part of the job may include workplace investigations involving the use of social media by employees, on or off the clock.
Free speech, fair trials collide at ex-Lake County sheriff’s sentencing
With Lake County seemingly awash in political corruption, a local newspaper is trying to uproot the culture of kickbacks and payouts by putting the spotlight on those who speak in favor of the latest elected official to be convicted. The Lake County Bar Association formally opposes the action.
Topless woman’s complaint splits 7th Circuit
A Chicago woman’s decision to celebrate “Go Topless Day” by baring her breasts has cleaved the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals over whether she can now cloak herself in the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech.
COA upholds prohibition on TV broadcast of court audio
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a trial court ruling that prohibited a Fort Wayne TV station from broadcasting audio from a sentencing hearing it obtained through a public records request, finding the trial court’s ruling complied with both local rules and the First Amendment.
COA rules for Purdue profs who complained about colleague
After filing a complaint against a coworker who made derogatory remarks toward other professors and the Islamic religion, a group of Purdue University professors have been granted their cross-motion for summary judgment against the coworker, who filed numerous First Amendment claims against them.
Ex-school worker says he was fired for Black Lives Matter criticism
A former Fort Wayne Community Schools employee is suing the district, alleging he was wrongfully fired for publicly criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement.
COA: Churches aren’t school property; sex offenders can attend
Three convicted Boone County sex offenders can return to their church congregations after the Indiana Court of Appeals determined that churches are not considered “school property,” so state statute cannot prohibit the offenders from going to church, even when children are present.
Vendor selling racist signs kicked out of Gas City car show
A vendor selling racist signs and plaques has been permanently banned from a popular classic car show in Gas City.
Violence in Charlottesville leads to soul-searching at ACLU
Faced with an angry backlash for defending white supremacists' right to march in Charlottesville, the American Civil Liberties Union is confronting a feeling among some of its members that was once considered heresy: Maybe some speech isn't worth defending.
Judge tosses suit challenging school board prayers
A judge has thrown out a retired teacher’s lawsuit challenging the customary opening Christian prayer at Franklin Township School Board meetings.
Trump asks federal appeals court to dismiss protester lawsuit
Attorneys for President Donald Trump want a federal appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit by protesters accusing him of ordering his supporters to rough them up at a campaign rally in Louisville, Ky. last year.