Amendment

Federal Judge Upholds Utah’s Social Media Laws Aimed to Protect Minors, Dismisses Tech Group’s First Amendment Claim

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SALT LAKE CITY — A pivotal lawsuit aimed at challenging Utah’s regulations on social media usage among minors faced a recent setback when a federal judge upheld the state’s rights over certain platform functionalities. These regulations, which restrict features like autoplay and infinite scrolling for minor-owned accounts, were defended as necessary protections against the potential harms of social media on youth. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby dismissed a key claim by NetChoice, a tech industry group representing major platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. NetChoice had contested that Utah’s rules were preempted … Read more

Boulder’s Political Battle Intensifies: Defamation Trial Set for 2025 Amidst First Amendment Controversy

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Boulder, Colo. — A defamation case with wide-reaching implications for political discourse is set to unfurl in a Boulder courtroom. Slated for a trial on May 12, 2025, the legal battle began following accusations during the city’s 2021 election. Steve Rosenblum, a former candidate for Boulder City Council, has brought forth claims that the local activist group Boulder Progressives, through Eric Budd, intentionally spread false information about him to skew public perception and influence the election outcome. In the contentious election year, an anonymous X account, nominally under Rosenbaum’s name, posted links to a blog … Read more

California Reporter Challenges Sideshow Spectator Law, Claims First Amendment Violations

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — The escalation of illegal automotive gatherings in California, known locally as sideshows, has led to stringent new measures involving not only participants but also onlookers. An increase in fines and expanded prosecutorial powers are now standard, with law enforcement aiming to deter such activities that often disrupt local communities. Amid these heightened legal responses, the introduction of certain ordinances has sparked contention regarding the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, leading to a notable case recently filed in federal court. Sideshows, typically characterized by stunt driving and large crowds, have … Read more

Florida’s New Law Sparks Legal Battle, Strippers and Entertainment Venues Sue Over Age Restrictions Claiming First Amendment Violations

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A 19-year-old former stripper has initiated a legal challenge against the state of Florida over a new law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from working in adult entertainment venues. The law, which was enacted this week, aims to combat human trafficking according to proponents, but those opposed argue it infringes on constitutional freedoms. The young woman, formerly employed at Café Risque near Gainesville, contends that the regulation not only deprived her of her livelihood but also impedes her First Amendment right to freedom of expression. The lawsuit, filed in … Read more