Legal Hotline

Q:  What rights do journalists have to gather news and report on newsworthy events occurring on public property? A: The press enjoys significant First Amendment rights to gather news and […]

Q: I believe the Sunshine Act may have been violated. Are there penalties for violations and if so, how do I pursue them? A: The Sunshine Act allows for the […]

Q: Occasionally, readers will post copyright protected material in the comments section of our website. Is there a way to avoid a potential copyright infringement claim in this situation? A: […]

Q: I requested access to the names, job titles, salaries, length of service and employment contracts for members of our local police department. The agency denied access to officers’ names […]

Q: Are there any laws that protect the identity of confidential sources, and what do these laws mean for journalists in our newsroom? A: Pennsylvania’s Shield Law offers robust protection […]

Q: Which rules govern public access to arrest and search warrants and their supporting documentation, like affidavits of probable cause? A: Public access to arrest and search warrants is governed […]

Q: Are there any issues associated with running ads for foreign online pharmacies in our newspaper and on our website? A: The Food and Drug Administration takes the position that […]

Q: I filed a Right-to-Know request asking to inspect records. I want to look at the records to help me decide which are most relevant, and to reduce copy fees. […]

Q: A reader called to complain about a contractor ad that appeared in our paper and on our website. The ad did not contain a contractor registration number, and the […]