Befekadu Hailu’s Post

In a move alarming to journalists, First Amendment lawyers, and good-government watchdog groups, the Louisiana Legislature is moving to significantly narrow the state public records law with legislation that could remove the majority of government activity from public view. Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, introduced Senate Bill 482, which includes language that “provides as an exception to the public records law for any records reflecting advisory opinions, recommendations and deliberations comprising part of a process by which governmental decisions and policies are formulated.” Read more below

New board to ‘modernise approach to open justice’. It will focus on 'timely and effective access in terms of listing, documents and public hearings', replacing the piecemeal approach to open justice currently taken by individual jurisdictions. Law Society Gazette https://lnkd.in/ezHXCqrA

The U.S. Supreme Court has recently set a groundbreaking precedent with profound implications for both the legal and technological spheres. Their new test... 1) whether the official has authority to speak on the government's behalf, and 2) if they purported to use that authority in writing a post ... to determine when a public official's use of social media constitutes state action under the First Amendment introduces a pivotal change in how we perceive and regulate online speech. 🧠 Public officials must now be more cognizant of their online presence. When they speak within their official capacity, their statements could be subject to First Amendment constraints and liabilities. This brings a new layer of scrutiny to how government policies and opinions are communicated through social media. 👩💼 Social media platforms face a new challenge in distinguishing between a public official's personal opinions and official statements. This adds complexity to content moderation policies and practices, possibly requiring new technologies or strategies to contextualize posts. 🚫 This test could reshape the landscape of online free speech, particularly in the moderation of content by public figures. Platforms must now navigate the thin line between censorship and allowing potentially harmful or misleading content from officials who claim to speak in a personal capacity. ⚖ Lastly, this decision underscores the evolving role of technology in governance and public discourse. Social media, once seen as a casual platform for personal expression, now serves as a battleground for legal and constitutional debates. #LawAndTechnology #DigitalGovernance #FirstAmendment #SocialMediaLaw #ContentModeration

Our Rule of Law Clinic will hold a workshop for media professionals, aimed at discussing the main challenges in dealing with the practical consequences of the rule of law backsliding. Application deadline: Oct 20 Details: https://cutt.ly/GeOp4gVj #Freedomofspeech #DemocraticBacksliding #RuleofLaw #Freedomofmedia #EU #CenterforEuropeanStudies #ChristUniversityLavasa

In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court has raised concerns over the unbridled activities of YouTube channels, advocating for stringent regulation in light of recent controversies.... Read More At:- https://lnkd.in/gDDsVFcF #madarshighcourt #legal #development #youtubechannels #advocating #news #NewsUpdate #newsfeed #dailynews #IBWNews

Dear LinkedIn Community! I'm delighted to announce the publication of my latest research paper titled "The Impact of Media Trials on Legal Proceedings and the Rights of Disputing Parties: A Critical analysis through case laws" on The Amikus Qriae In this comprehensive study, I explore the profound influence of media trials on legal proceedings and the fundamental rights of parties involved in disputes. Through an in-depth analysis of pertinent case laws, I examine how media coverage can sway public perception, influence judicial decisions, and potentially compromise the fairness of legal outcomes. This paper underscores the critical importance of balanced media representation and its implications for upholding justice in our legal system. I invite you to delve into the full paper [here](https://lnkd.in/gh-m2mga) and join the conversation on how we can safeguard the integrity of legal proceedings amidst media scrutiny. #ResearchPaper #MediaTrials #LegalProceedings #CaseLawAnalysis #AmicusQriae

Today, Ebrahim Saifuddin and I submitted CPD No. 4659 of 2024 through Petitioner Muhammad Ghulam Rehman Korai (Advocate High Court), challenging the constitutionality of the Supreme Court Practice and Procedures Ordinance 2024. This Ordinance unlawfully removes Justice Muneb Akhtar and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah from the committee responsible for constituting Supreme Court benches, a decision previously sanctioned by the Full Bench of the Supreme Court under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023. This legislation appears to have been enacted in secrecy, undermining the independence of the judiciary by allowing government interference. The government's intent to secure a Constitutional Amendment Bill in 2024 hinges on obtaining favorable decisions from selected benches, rendering this Ordinance unconstitutional, unwarranted, and illegal. ACTIONABLE STEPS: Mobilization of Support: Gather legal experts and public opinion to highlight the implications of this Ordinance. Media Outreach: Engage with journalists to disseminate information about the challenge and its significance for judicial independence. Legal Strategy: Develop a comprehensive legal strategy to present our arguments effectively in court, focusing on the preservation of judicial autonomy. Community Engagement: Organize forums and discussions to educate the public on the impact of such government actions on democracy and rule of law. These steps are crucial for ensuring accountability and defending the integrity of our judicial system.

First Amendment Audit: What You Need To Know Join us for a captivating First Amendment audit! Witness real-world interactions as we explore the boundaries of free speech and public filming. Learn about your rights and the importance of responsible content creation. #FirstAmendmentAudit ['#FirstAmendment', '#Audit', '#FreeSpeech', '#FilmingRights', '#PublicAccess', '#ConstitutionalRights', '#CivilLiberties', '#FreedomOfSpeech', '#Documentary', '#YouTube']

💡#RSFsafetywebsite: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) works with a media law expert to lay out the legal hurdles often faced by journalists in authoritarian regimes.👇 https://lnkd.in/gkRXdjPG #legaladvice #authoritarianism #journalists #reporting #mediafreedom

Social media is indispensable for connecting governments with residents in today's digital world. However, with this increased interaction comes the challenge of effectively managing free speech and First Amendment rights. Missteps here can lead to serious legal implications and damage public trust. Our eBook offers solutions for managing these challenges. Get your copy. \\@CivicPlus \\#CommunityEngagement \\#TrustAndTransparency \\#MakeADifference https://lnkd.in/eP426Y89