Reporters group faults Gonzales for limiting access to government information News
Reporters group faults Gonzales for limiting access to government information

[JURIST] The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has released a report on US Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales concluding that while he recognizes First Amendment interests in newsgathering and reporting, his record as a Texas Supreme Court judge and as White House counsel advising the President on such matters as Presidential papers, the Cheney energy task force and proceedings against Guantanamo detainees suggests he will favor strict regulation of access to government and executive-branch information. The RCFP ominously notes that "If confirmed, [Gonzales] will have an even greater role in setting the standard for public access to government information." Read the RCFP report and this press release. JURIST's Paper Chase has background on the Gonzales nomination.

THIS DAY @ LAW

President Harding signed "anti-beer bill"

On November 23, 1921, President Warren G. Harding signed the Willis-Campbell Act, popularly termed the "anti-beer bill," prohibiting doctors from prescribing beer or liquor for medicinal purposes.

Convention on Cybercrimes opens for signature

On November 23, 2001, the Convention on Cybercrime was opened for signature in Budapest, Hungary, before entering into force on July 1, 2004. The Convention seeks to coordinate the Internet laws of signatory states and promote international enforcement of cybercrime laws. Learn more about the Convention on Cybercrime from the Council of Europe.