Summary
An independent journalist in Laredo, Texas, published two news stories identifying victims’ names after receiving confirmation of their identities from a Laredo police officer. Seven months later, police arrested Priscilla Villarreal for violating a Texas statute, justifying the arrest because the victims’ identities were not “public information” and the journalist benefitted from publishing the stories by gaining additional social media followers. Villarreal is suing the city for violating her First Amendment rights.
Case Documents
Court
Title
Date
U.S. Supreme Court
Brief of Young America’s Foundation and Manhattan Institute as amici curiae in support of petitioner
5/24/2024
Appellate Court
12/12/2022
Case Profiles
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John Bursch
Senior Counsel, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy
John Bursch is senior counsel and vice president of appellate advocacy with Alliance Defending Freedom.