61 Media Organizations & Press Freedom Advocates Amicus Brief in Support of Plaintiff

Key Excerpts

• “Freedom of the press holds an . . . exalted place in the First Amendment firmament,” (citation omitted), because the press plays a vital role in the maintenance of democratic governance. To fulfill that function, the press relies on the work of lawyers.
• Given media’s reliance on pro bono and low-cost counsel, the chilling effects of the Executive Order will be substantial, functionally making it impossible for many press organizations to serve as the public’s proxy and a check on government abuse.
• [S]hould this executive order stand, a similar version will be issued against law firms or legal organizations for their representation of the press. Even if that does not happen, firms that have represented outlets that Trump dislikes will take the hint and consider the consequences of doing so going forward.