NPPA amicus brief | 1st amendment
Supeonas were issued to newspapers and television stations across Michigan to collect unpublished images from the riots. Covington & Burling submitted this amicus brief explaining why cooperation would harm the independence of the media.
Download full amicus brief (PDF: 20 pages)
STATE OF MICHIGAN
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF INGHAM
________________________________________________
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN,
Plaintiff,
vs.
ANTHONY DAVID PASTOR,
Defendant.
________________________________________________
BRIEF OF AMICUS CURIAE NATIONAL PRESS
PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF
PETITIONER/APPELLANT’S MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE
STAY AND IN OBJECTION TO PEOPLE’S
APPLICATION FOR INVESTIGATIVE SUBPOENA
_____________________________________________
April 20, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Protecting the Confidentiality of Newsgathering Materials Is Essential
To a Free Press and to the Flow of Vital Information to the Public.
II. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Affords Journalists a
Qualified Privilege to Decline to Produce Newsgathering Materials
A. Branzburg v. Hayes and its Progeny
B. This Court Should Follow its Holding in King and Quash Police
Subpoenas Based On The Qualified Newsgathering Privilege
C. Allowing Subpoenas of Unpublished Newsgathering Materials Will
Chill Reporting of Matters of Public Concern and Endanger Journalists
