ACLU, news organizations sue over Arizona law banning filming within 8 feet of law enforcement
The ACLU and several news organizations have filed a lawsuit over a controversial Arizona law signed last month that bars recording video of law enforcement within 8 feet.
The ACLU and several news organizations have filed a lawsuit over a controversial Arizona law signed last month that bars recording video of law enforcement within 8 feet.
The law, sponsored by state Rep. John Kavanagh and signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, both Republicans, makes it a crime to record law enforcement activity within that distance and violators can face a misdemeanor charge after they are warned once to back up.
The new lawsuit, filed Tuesday, seeks an injunction ahead of the law's September effect date.
The suit claims the law violates the First Amendment right to record, will inhibit journalist ability to work on police stories, and will create a new risk of arrest and prosecution for Constitution-protected activity.
The ACLU of Arizona said the law will create “irreparable community harm,” if allowed to go forth.
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