Freedom of Information
The First Amendment freedoms are the sine qua non of the American democratic society.
National resources:
The Bill of Rights – The First Amendment to the United States Constitution American Library Association
The First Amendment Handbook The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. Today the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration at Washington, D.C. holds the document.
First Amendment Center program of the Freedom Forum at the John Seigenthaler Center, Vanderbilt University, and Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Freedom Forum Nonpartisan dedication to free press and speech. Focus on First Amendment freedom and newsroom diversity. Operates the Newseum
Education for Freedom Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center
Electronic Frontier Foundation Defends the right to speak and share ideas using the Internet and the World Wide Web
Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. Grassroots nonprofit working to improve investigative reporting
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Nonprofit providing free legal assistance to journalists
National Freedom of Information Coalition Nurtures state FOI groups. Assists with fundraising, project planning, and exchange of information
Intellectual Freedom American Library Association
People for the American Way Concerned about rising intolerance – seeks to counter social discord and fragmentation by advancing diversity, justice, and freedom of thought, expression and religion
Banned & Challenged Books American Library Association
Banned Books Online access to freely readable books on the Internet, hosted at the University of Pennsylvania
Student Press Law Center Advocates student free press and provides free legal help to students and the educators
Open Government Guide – Tapping Officials' Secrets Complete information on each state's open records and meetings laws
Freedom of Information Center Headquartered at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the National Freedom of Information Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance of citizen-driven nonprofit freedom of information organizations, academic and First Amendment centers, journalistic societies and attorneys, works to protect the public's right to oversee its government. The goal is ensuring everyone's right to information
The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information At the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, the Center answers queries about media law from journalists, attorneys and the public and explains issues relating to media law
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Educates media, lawyers, educators, students, officials and individuals about rights and advocates for open government and First Amendment issues
The Bill of Rights pdf Download an Adobe PDF Reader
North Carolina resources:
North Carolina Media Law First Amendment resources
North Carolina Open Meetings and Public Records Law North Carolina Press Association
North Carolina Government Records Guidelines N..C Government Records Branch, Dept. of Cultural Resources, Office of Archives and History
North Carolina Statutes and Rules North Carolina laws on open meetings, public records and legal advertising, and judicial rules
Covering the Courts: An Associated Press Manual for Reporters Explaining the courts and the basics of courtroom procedure
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© 2011 Dr. Anthony Curtis, Mass Communication Dept., University of North Carolina at Pembroke 910.521.6616 e-mail home page