Read this article published in the NYT today. Journalists Kept in Court after Jackson MD Leaves.
My question is what do you do in this type of situation, as a journalist that is LAWFULLY pursuing a story??
I admit, I have no idea what you can do. It seems that in this very instance the journalist has little power until they leave the premises. At which point reporting on it seems the most likely response. I mean would be right to simply create a wall of journalists, banding together, and push past an armed court marshal? I doubt it.
5 comments:
This a fairly despicable act... a gross sin against the First Amendment... but totalitarianism always seems to come wrapped in neat excuses - generally some claptrap about public safety.
But, to be contrary for a moment, let me ask how different is this from police escorts for funeral processions that stop traffic on public thoroughfares for the private citizens involved in the funeral?
What about the secret service detaining you to search your possessions in the public space where a president is speaking... or, as did state security details for both President Bushes, stop citizens from lawfully protesting presidential policies?
Had you complained about the latter, chances are some lock-stepper would have called you unpatriotic, after all, it was about keeping order... the public safe from an flap you might have caused.
Well, put Andrew. I agree 100%.
I also agree with you Nicole.
In spite of ethics. I don't think there is anything the journalists could do in this particular situation to stop Curran from blocking the court room exit. To chase Dr. Murray and his attorneys for further questioning, regarding the MJ situation and his "contempt-of-court arrest on allegations that he failed to pay and failed to appear for previous hearings."
Detaining the journalists from leaving the courtroom, so Dr.Murray could leave, without facing questions from the journalists,was clearly against the first amendment.
This man has become a person of public interest,and has many questions involving criminal activity surrounding him, why shouldn't journalists have their right to question him?I think the court clearly overstepped their authority here.
The situation was not serious enough, in its longevity for the journalists to take any legal action, but the fact that they were held back from doing their job is anti-American and inexcusable.
I agree that detaining the reporters goes against the First Amendment, however I don't see how a funeral procession fits into that. Often people are blocked off in public places for safety reasons and police often hold up traffic trying to get to scenes of accidents. Neither of these cases seem to infringe on free speech. Not allowing journalists to ask questions in a public place does.
What would I have done?
Well, first I would have asked why I was being detained. When he doesn't tell me, I'd have simply got up and left. He can arrest me if he wants.
I will then happily sue his nuts off.
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