News
Hugh 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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of LexisNexis in Important Public Records Case
On February 18, 2014 the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that a database of criminal cases maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts is a public record. SMVT supported LexisNexis by filing an amicus brief on behalf of…
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