Essay by James C. Goodale on court cases in which First Amendment rights have been upheld, allowing the press to pursue its mission. Goodale served as general counsel to The New York Times when the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the Times could continue to publish the then-classified Pentagon Papers.

State-by-state guide to the laws governing recording conversations over the telephone, cellular and cordless phones, hidden cameras, obtaining consent, possession and publication of illegal tapes, and interstate calls.

Articles explain reporter's privilege, federal law, subpoena guidelines, jail terms for uncooperative reporters. State-by-state rundown of applicable laws, including the 19 states that do not have shield laws. FAQ.

Issues, laws, links, and other resources to help journalists get information from state and national governments.

How to search public records, how to file an FOIA request, current issues and news about freedom of the press, international media law, federal and state cases, links to other groups. Based at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Comprehensive state-by-state guides to open records and open meetings laws.

Extensive annotated bibliography of legal cases, scholarly papers, and articles concerning First Amendment and intellectual property Internet law issues. The 200 court cases are explained succinctly. Also includes many citations from the print media.

Non-profit organization which seeks to provide authoritative information, expertise, and assistance to the public and news media. Site provides directory of services and membership information.

Comprehensive guide to media law with links to state resources and current news stories.

Contains a fount of information on the application of the First Amendment to such issues as access to the courts, gag orders, access to places, freedom of information and libel. Published by the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Explores how the War on Terrorism affects access to information and the public's right to know. Published by the Reporter's Committee for a Free Press.

Do-it-yourselfers guide to how to use the Act as an effective investigative tool and provides sample letters, forms and directories to assist individuals in dealing with the government promptly and effectively.

An associate professor of communications law at Syracuse University, Fought provides a list of books, periodicals, telephone hotlines, and Internet mailing lists related to the Freedom of Information Act.

Offers one-stop access to information about the First Amendment. Useful for students, teachers, journalists, lawyers and the general public.

Answers queries about media law from journalists, attorneys, and other members of the public. The Center is prepared to explain issues relating to media law, react to current developments, offer speakers for meetings and classes, and assist in research about media law.

The full text of the Freedom of Information Act in a form showing all amendments to the statute made by the "Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996."

The Official Freedom of Information Act web site of the US Central Intelligence Agency. Provides the public with an overview of access to CIA information, including electronic access to previously released documents.

Details about the bureau, how to request materials, and a FAQ.

FOIA consultants who assist in crafting and executing FOIA requests.

Various helps for journalists seeking to obtain information from government agencies, both federal and state, including a fully automated fill-in-the-blanks FOI letter generator.

A report by the House Government Reform Committee, H.Rep. 108-172, June 23, 2002

News, documents, surveys, and a map of the status of FOIA worldwide.

The American Library Association identifies First Amendment advocates and provides links to notable court cases.

Site sponsored by the Illinois Press Association includes news and court decisions on First Amendment issues and educational information on rights.

Simple, step-by-step guide published by the American Civil Liberties Union.