Federal Judge Blocks Arizona Law That Restricts Filming of Police

A federal judge has blocked a new law in Arizona that restricts the filming of police officers, siding with the Arizona Broadcasters Association, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and multiple media organizations who sued and argued that the law violated the First Amendment.

U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi granted plaintiffs a preliminary injunction to stop the law from going into effect (pdf).

Tuchi gave the Legislature a week to decide whether it wants to defend the law. The ACLU and media groups are seeking a permanent injunction.

Will Not Defend the Law

The law, HB 2319 (pdf), was set to take effect on Sept. 24. It was enacted by the Republican-controlled state legislature in June and signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey on July 6.

Text of the legislation says it is unlawful for a person to “knowingly make a video recording of law enforcement activity” if they are within 8 feet (2.5 meters) and has been warned by a police officer that they are not allowed to film. In a private area, a person who is authorized to be there can take recordings within 8 feet, but must stop if a police officer “determines that the person is interfering in the law enforcement activity or that it is not safe to be in the area and orders the person to leave the area.”… (Excerpts from The Epoch Times)