ACLU plans challenge to ruling finding no First Amendment right to film police

[Ranger353]

Interesting ruling.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20160225_ACLU_plans_challenge_to_ruling_finding_no _First_Amendment_right_to_film_police.html

[Bailey Guns]

I don't see a problem as long as the person filming is not interfering with the police. It seems to be an odd ruling.

[Ranger353]

I don't see a problem as long as the person filming is not interfering with the police. It seems to be an odd ruling.
^^^^^^^^
Agree. Only issue would be if they get too close or begin causing interferrence by taunting others to incite violence on the officers or directly threatening officers, thus distracting them from their duties. In other words, they can video all day as long as they keep a safe distance and keep their mouth shut with regard to stirring up the crowd.

[cstone]

Interefering with the police while in the performance of their duties is a crime just about anywhere, regardless of whether you are recording. The 7th Circuit ruled that the mere act of recording is not illegal and protected under the 1st Amendment as a form of expression. While the 7th Circuit decision does not control in Philadelphia, the SCOTUS refused to hear a challenge to the 7th's ruling, which would seem to imply that the majority of justices consider that decision to be correct.

I predict that one federal judge in Philly (3rd Circuit) is about to be overruled in the near future.

[Big E3]

So if the people can't film the police, does that mean the police can't body-cam the people?