Beard v. Banks

548 U.S. 521 (2006)

  1. Ginsburg Dissent
  2. Stevens Dissent
  3. Concurrence by Justice Thomas
  4. Opinion by Justice Breyer
  5. Media Coalition amicus brief

History: In March 2006, Media Coalition drafted language for an amicus brief that was submitted to the Supreme Court in Beard v. Banks, a challenge to a prison policy barring inmates from obtaining newspapers and magazines that are not legal or religious in nature. Prisoners were also barred from watching television, listening to the radio, and ordering books. The brief argued that the First Amendment right of access to newspapers and magazines in prison is not inconsistent with the legitimate purpose of prison administration.

On June 28, 2006, by a vote of 6-2, the Supreme Court ruled in Beard v. Banks, finding that the challenged Pennsylvania prison policy banning newspapers, magazines and photographs to a certain group of prisoners does not violate the First Amendment.
 

updated 6/5/09