Legal Hotline

Q: I want to review a private criminal complaint, but the magisterial district judge (MDJ) is telling me I can’t have a copy until the district attorney approves it. When […]

Q: What are the rules when using collegiate team names, logos, and NCAA trademarks like “March Madness” and “Final Four” in advertising? A:  Advertisers cannot use team, individual or National […]

Q: Are settlement agreements involving public agencies considered public records? Can an agency rely upon a confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement to deny access?  A:  Settlement agreements between public […]

Q: Does HIPAA prevent hospitals from releasing any and all information about patients? Does HIPAA restrict our ability to publish medical information? A:  While HIPAA prohibits unauthorized release of individually […]

Q: Many local agencies routinely take a 30-calendar-day extension to respond to Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) requests, usually citing the need for legal review or due to staffing limitations, even for […]

Q: What documentation should news media organizations get from advertisers when allowing “adult 55+,” “retirement community,” “senior housing” and similar terminology in a housing ad? A:  Publishers are generally not […]

Q: What are the rules when using terms like “Super Bowl,” “Super Sunday,” and NFL team names, logos and players in ads? * NOTE: This advice applies to commercial uses […]

Q:  A board of supervisors heard testimony on a zoning application, took public comment, and then announced that they would “meet privately to discuss the application and public comment.” After the […]

Q: Can bingo and small games of chance ads include specific prizes and dollar amounts of prizes? A: Pennsylvania’s Bingo Law allows prizes and dollar value of prizes to be awarded in […]