Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:47:52 -0400
Subject: FW: URGENT -- First Amendment Supreme Court Case
Message-ID: <
LPBBJJBFJKPANABHBEJEEEKCDMAA.dogsvelvetsteel@verizon.net>
This from our attorney. The is more. NRA is filing an amicus on our behalf, she got them to enter the battle. Gary - If the Pit bull community does not stand up NOW - shame and foolish. This is the biggest opportunity we've ever had. There is much more. Pass it on.
If Pit Bull folk will stand up -now - we will win.
In Christ,
Bob Stevens
Col 3:15-17
-----Original Message-----
From: Millett, Patricia [mailto:pmillett@akingump.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 10:49 PM
To: Robert Stevens
Subject: FW: URGENT -- First Amendment Supreme Court Case
Here is a bit of what we have going for you. Hopefully your computer can see this.
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From: LL Dovey
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:35 AM
Subject: URGENT -- First Amendment Supreme Court Case
Hi Nancy:
I am the executive director of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Vic Perlman, with ASMP, suggested that I reach out to you and the Picture Archive Counsel of America (PACA) regarding a law suit that could severely impact PACA's members. The Frist Amendment is under attack; and the Supreme Court of the United States will be hearing the case this fall. The Court's decision could change the face of American journalism.
I apologize for the lengthy e-mail, but summarizing the situation isn't something I can do in just a few paragraphs.
The two images included below could result in felony charges against the journalist who took the images, or the publisher who placed the images in a magazine, or the owner of the Web site who posted the images. Although the acts of fishing and hunting depicted are perfectly legal, a federal law allows for prosecution. (Please read on)
First Amendment Case Before the Supreme Court
This fall the Supreme Court of the United State will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of the law. It's a First Amendment case that could affect journalists nationwide, and not just those who cover hunting and fishing.
The case is the U.S. vs. Stevens. Robert Stevens, an author and filmmaker, was convicted on felony charges and sentenced to 37 month in federal prison for making two documentaries about Pit Bull dogs and one film about hunting with dogs. The Thrid Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conviction stating that the law that resulted in the conviction was unconstitutional. The government turned to the Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear the case.
You might hear that this is a case about animal cruelty or illegal dog fighting. It's not. It's all about the First Amendment. This isn't about subject matter, it's about the First Amendment.
Any organization that supports, defends or believes in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution needs to take action now. Here's what you can do:
Amicus Curaie Brief Being Written
An amicus curiae brief, supporting the First Amendment, is being written and will be filed before the Court. The brief must be filed in the next few weeks. Add your organizations' names to the list of those who supporting the brief and the First Amendment.
Review the case information <http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs051/1101879232762/archive/1102607469197.html> and listen to an interview with Supreme Court attorney, Patricia Millett, who will plead the case before the Supreme Court (from the home page of
www.nranews.com, click on the Program Archive link, top center, and then select June 12, Patricia Millett).
Have your organizations' legal counsels (well, in many cases you are the legal counsels) study the case. If you/your legal counsel and/or board of directors agree that this case threatens the rights provided American's, and the media, through the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, please add your organizations' names to the amicus brief.
To add your organization's name:
Simply fill out the form online <http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2j4gsbhfvtlzxfo/a011gfvtxjfla/questions> ,
Contact me directly, 814-539-6030
Contact the attorney writing the amicus brief, Beth Heifetz <http://www.jonesday.com/bheifetz/> (
bheifetz@jonesday.com) of the Jones Day <http://www.jonesday.com/> law firm in Washington D.C.
By doing so, your organization will be added to the list of folks who will receive a copy of the amicus brief, before it is filed. If you do not completely agree with the content of the brief, which will focus wholly on the First Amendment, you may have your organization's name removed.
Why tentatively offer your organization's support before seeing the brief? There's little time. The brief must be filed before July 20, 2009. Beth needs to know who the supporters are and who she can contact for information and to fully understand the impact to our industries, members, etc.
