Limiting Judges' Power to Issue Gag Orders to Defendants.
This law restricts the ability of federal and state judges to issue gag orders against defendants in criminal and civil cases. This change grants citizens greater freedom to speak publicly about their legal proceedings. Judges can still issue such orders only to protect minors' privacy, confidential discovery information, or as part of a plea agreement.
Key points
Significant reduction in judges' authority to silence defendants during civil and criminal trials.
Citizens unlawfully subjected to a gag order gain the right to file a lawsuit in federal court to have the order overturned.
Exceptions allowing gag orders are limited to protecting minors, confidential trial information, or plea agreement terms.
Expired
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