Legal News

UNC governors vote to close 3 university-based centers


February 28, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

Amid student protests and faculty dissent, the UNC Board of Governors voted to close three centers, including the The Center on Work, Poverty and Opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. The News & Observer reported on the vote and the opposition. The Board, […]

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Robeson County vote on Project Apple may not have complied with state meetings law


February 20, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

The Fayetteville Observer is reporting that the Robeson County Board of Commissioners voted to offer 75 percent tax relief for a four-year period for “Project Apple,” but refused to disclose the party behind the project. The article quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin […]

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UNC’s expensive outside counsel criticized


February 11, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

The Daily Tar Heel has published an article on criticism of UNC-Chapel Hill’s decision to hire an expensive, New York City-based law firm. The firm was hired to assist with representation in a public records lawsuit filed by SMVT on […]

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Big changes in music licensing possible


February 6, 2015 Legal News

The Hollywood Reporter reports on proposed changes in music licenses put out by the U.S. Copyright office. The music licensing regime has long been considered one that does not adequately fit the needs of the modern industry. It is outdated, […]

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Social media, threats, and the First Amendment on WNCN


February 5, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

WNCN interviewed SMVT’s Amanda Martin today about threats of violence on social media and whether they are protected by the First Amendment. The piece is expected to air this evening at 5 and 6 p.m. This post will be updated with video when […]

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Wake schools providing less information on new principals


February 2, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

The News & Observer reports that the Wake County school system has reduced the amount of information and background it provides the public about new school administrators. The story quotes SMVT attorney Amanda Martin: Amanda Martin, an attorney for the N.C. […]

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Google holds closed-door reception for public officials


January 29, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

This week, Google held a press conference to announce that Charlotte had been selected to receive the company’s new fiber internet service. Following the announcement, the Charlotte Observer reports that the company held a private celebration that included a majority […]

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NC DOT charges $468 to see public records


January 14, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

The News & Observer reports that the state Department of Transportation is demanding that the Southern Environmental Law Center pay a $468 fee to review state emails and other files. The paper quotes SMVT partner Amanda Martin: Amanda Martin, an […]

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UNC identifies four employees facing dismissal after academic fraud scandal


January 2, 2015 About SMVT, Legal News

In a provisional settlement with a coalition of media organizations, UNC-Chapel Hill released the names of four employees who were terminated or retired in the wake of the Wainstein Report on academic fraud at the school. SMVT represents the media organizations […]

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N.C. Court of Appeals dismisses public records action against Assistant Director of Administrative Office of the Courts


December 16, 2014 Legal News

In the suit, plaintiff, a former Durham County district attorney, sought to obtain emails related to her service from the Administrative Office of the Courts. The suit named the Assistant Director of the AOC as a defendant in both his […]

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