Massachusetts

Federal Judge Rules Mass.' Secret Recordings Ban as Unconstitutional

The federal judge ruled that secret recordings of police or government officials is protected by the First Amendment

A federal judge has ruled that a Massachusetts law banning secret audio recordings of police or government officials is unconstitutional.

MassLive.com reports Chief United State District Judge Patti Saris ruled Monday secret audio recordings of officials performing their duties in public is protected by the First Amendment.

The judge made the ruling on two cases, one involving residents who frequently record police and another brought by the conservative activist group Project Veritas.

Court records show neither defendant had conducted secret recordings of police, but they feared recording openly would "endanger their safety" and "provoke hostility."

The court said the Boston Police Department previously instructed officers to make arrests under the law.

Saris says an injunction will be issued against Boston Police and the Suffolk District Attorney.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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