“When Night Falls” and “Django Unchained”: Movie Censorship in China
Movie censorship in China is not a new thing. But what about Chinese movies made outside of China? This excellent piece compares how China responded to two different films. The results are startling. Read more…
Obama’s struggle: How free should the press be?
It seems that President Obama is caught in an impossible situation. The recent controversies regarding the IRS and the Justice Department reveal conflicting desires to protect both national security and First Amendment rights. Some claim he has failed to do…
ACLU, some parents oppose OH school district proposal to add creationism to discussion list
A controversial new policy in an Ohio school district is raising opposition by numerous groups including the ACLU. The Springboro Board of Education proposed to allow the teaching of creationism in opposition to evolution. An ACLU spokes person said in…
Justice Department Wants Us to Know it Values Freedom of the Press While Grabbing Phone Records
The Justice Department scandal continues to infold, revealing the low standards for defense of privacy rights. Apparently the White House is absolutely clueless, claiming no knowledge or responsibility. In a suspect comment, the Justice Department said, “because we value the…
Illinois House Passes ‘Homeless Bill of Rights’
Illinois could become of the first states to pass a ‘Homeless Bill of Rights.’ The law is designed to protect homeless Illinois residents from discrimination. State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) says, “Basic rights such as the right to maintain gainful…
Portland airport stripper fighting fine intends to press free-speech argument in federal court
John Brennan, the Portland airport stripper, expects to lose the first round of court battles and pay a $1000 fine. However, Brennan expects to push his case to the upper levels of the court system. In an interview with The…
‘Everybody Draw Mohammed Day’ — Time for intimidation, or freedom?
May 20th is a new holiday celebrating freedom of speech: Draw Mohammed Day. Many have suggested this in response protests from the Muslim world over unfavorable portrayals of the prophet. Is this a way forward for free speech or the…
Texas judge rules that cheerleaders may display Bible banners
Last Wednesday, a Texas judge ruled that ‘bible banners’ raised by cheerleaders of a small high school during a football game are constitutionally protected free speech. According to State District Judge Steven Thomas, no law “prohibits the cheerleaders from using…
10 Countries with Maximum Press Freedom
While press freedom in the US appears to be on the decline, freedom of the press continues to protect democracy around the world. Here is a list of countries around the world with maximum press freedom. Read more…
Federal War on the 4th Amendment Continues
The Obama administration has moved to make it easier for the FBI to collect private online data using the Patriot Act. According to the new legislation, internet service providers can be sued for failing to provide requested information. It seems…
ACLU claims victory after Lake County School Board allows gay-straight club at middle school
An 8th grader at Carver Middle School has been allowed to form a Gay-Straight Alliance after the local school board stalled her efforts. The school board only broke after Bayli Silberstein filed a lawsuit in federal court. In an interview…
Aaron Swartz Interview Video: Months Before His Suicide, He Warned Corporations Could Censor the Internet
While the death of Aaron Swartz is quickly fading into memory, many are understanding it as a prophetic expression of dangers of increasing censorship online. A new video shot months before his suicide reveals the shocking truth about corporate censorship.…
Media freedom takes a hit
Many people do not think the decline of newspapers is a significant issue. After all, the influence and scope of new media, especially internet-based news, is growing more everyday. However, many new reports suggest that the spread of new media…
When students protest abortion, can schools draw the line?
Protesting in public schools has always been a legal difficultly. The question is often determined by the content of the protest. Two groups of high school student in Minnesota and New Mexico were recently restricted from handing out pro-life material.…
Pubic Library? Porn-Watching At N.J. Library And First Amendment Rights
Viewing porn on a public computer at your local library is certainly bad taste. But is it illegal? A man in Montville, N.J. believes his barring from public library computers violates his 1st amendment rights. The man was prohibited from…
Everything You Need To Know About Kermit Gosnell Abortion Trial
The disturbing trial against abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell is sweeping the nation despite the neglect of mainstream media. This summary report breaks down the charges and gives the history behind the convictions. Politiva will keep you up to date on…
First Amendment doesn’t apply here: N.C. lawmakers push bill for state religion
North Carolina seems to have taken on the job of pushing the limits of 1st Amendment protections. A new bill would allow the state to establish an official religion. The bill is in response to an ACLU lawsuit against Rowan…
Fourth Amendment creates new fault lines
While the US Supreme Court’s split regarding gay marriage is predictable and corollary to the partisanship of the president who appointed them, other cases are less clear. Take the recent 4th Amendment case regarding drug sniffing dogs. “Conservative Justices Antonin…
North Carolina’s Poorly Worded Drone Killing Privacy Bill
North Carolina is at it again. A bill in the North Carolina General Assembly attempting to outlaw the use of drones does little more regulate their operation with ambiguities and contradictory constraints. The “Preserving Privacy Act of 2013” would allow…
Fox News Reporter Ordered to Return to Court Over Refusal to Reveal Sources
Veteran reporter Jana Winter, who broke the story about a notebook that Colorado shooter James Holmes sent to his psychiatrist, was ordered to an Aurora, CO courtroom after she refused to reveal her sources. Arapahoe County District Judge Carlos Samour…
