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Mike Tadych and Amanda Martin comment on confiscation of recording device at NC Statehouse
With the return of the legislative session came the return of live reporting from the statehouse. This week, news broke that one reporter covering the legislature had a recorder confiscated. SMVT partners Mike Tadych and Amanda Martin both reacted. Mike spoke to WRAL: Mike Tadych, a lawyer who works for a number of media outlets,…
Read MoreAmanda Martin quoted on improperly noticed meeting in Ronda
Last week, the Wilkes Journal-Patriot reported on an improperly noticed meeting in the town of Ronda, North Carolina. During the meeting, town leaders discussed changes in spending and services provided by the town. The paper asked SMVT partner Amanda Martin to comment. Area media were not notified about the Thursday work session, which is a violation…
Read MoreMike Tadych Responds to Accusation that Public Records Law Cost Opportunity
SMVT partner Mike Tadych was recently interviewed regarding comments made by Richard Lindenmuth, the leader of North Carolina’s proposed new economic development public-private partnership. Lindenmuth suggested that North Carolina’s public records law may have harmed its ability to attract a new Toyota facility to the state. The article in the Charolotte Observer explains: Michael Tadych,…
Read MoreBrandon J. Huffman quoted on closed board meetings
This week, the Goldsboro News-Argus reported twice on the appointment of new school board candidates in Wayne County, North Carolina. The meeting took place after private conversations between the potential board members and the potential candidates. SMVT associate Brandon J.Huffman is quoted in each of the two stories. If you are a News-Argus subscriber, you can…
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…
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