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Judge to Review UNC Enrollment Records
The Chapel Hill News reported recently on the ongoing litigation arising from a records request filed by the News & Observer with UNC-Chapel Hill. The request sought records of fraudulent classes in which student athletes were enrolled. Soon, a judge will review the records to determine if they fall under the North Carolina Public Records…
Read MoreHugh Stevens Reflects on Boyce v. Cooper Settlement
Recently, SMVT partner Hugh Stevens offered his insights into the Boyce v. Cooper litigation. The lawsuit, in which Dan Boyce sued Roy Cooper for libel, unexpectedly settled last week. Hugh has written some reflections on the settlement. The surprise settlement of the 14-year-old libel suit that Dan Boyce and his family filed against Attorney General Roy…
Read MoreHugh Stevens Writes on Boyce v. Cooper
On his blog, About the First Amendment, SMVT partner Hugh Stevens writes articles and commentary about the First Amendment, society and history. In a recent post, Hugh offered his insights into the upcoming Boyce v. Cooper trial. The lawsuit, in which Dan Boyce sued Roy Cooper for libel, grows out statements made in the 2000 election cycle.…
Read MoreAmanda Martin Quoted on NC Crime Victims’ Privacy
WRAL reports that the North Carolina Department of Public Safety recently took down a website that included the personal information of crime victims, including rape victims, who had applied for financial assistance from the state. According to the article, the Crime Victims Compensation Commission also openly discussed cases using victim’s names and personal details during open…
Read MoreAmanda Martin Quoted on Public Records
The Charlotte Observer quoted SMVT partner and general counsel to the North Carolina Press Association Amanda Martin on whether a criminal investigation could prevent release of public documents. Routine documents or emails that aren’t subjected to any specific privilege would still be public even though the feds are still investigating. You can read the full…
Read MoreHugh Stevens Speaks on Jefferson, Madison and the 'Wall of Separation' Between Church and State
Hugh Stevens spoke to the Raleigh Kiwanis Club on Friday, April 4 about “Jefferson, Madison and the ‘Wall of Separation’ Between Church and State.” The talk was based on an article posted on Hugh’s First Amendment blog. You can read the full article here.
Read MoreMike Tadych Comments on Closed Meeting in Zebulon
SMVT media lawyer and partner Mike Tadych was quoted in a story by Eastern Wake News on a closed meeting, unofficial rejection of an offer on one of its former office spaces. The preamble to the entire open meetings law basically says given the public agencies exist solely to conduct public business the hearings, deliberations…
Read MoreMike Tadych Quoted on Legislator Email and Public Records
SMVT media lawyer and partner Mike Tadych was quoted in a story by WRAL about legislators’ emails and public records laws. “Legislators’ email communications with third parties are public records under the law,” Tadych said. “Prior to that, there had been some suggestion by both the executive branch and the legislative branch in North Carolina…
Read MoreHugh Stevens to Speak to League of Women Voters
Hugh Stevens will be speaking to the League of Women Voters of Wake County today on the topic “Just how open IS government in North Carolina?” The presentation will be held at the University Club, 4200 Hillsborough St, Raleigh. Details can be found on the League of Women Voters’ website.
Read MoreAmanda Martin Comments on New Bern Alderman and Open Meetings
The Sun Journal recently quoted Media lawyer and SMVT partner Amanda Martin on North Carolina’s open meetings law following a meeting of the New Bern Board of Aldermen. Amanda Martin, general counsel for the N.C. Press Association, said nothing would prohibit calling a closed session during a regular meeting. But that decision would have to…
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