Beard v. Banks
126 Sup. Ct. 2572 (2006)
 

Documents:

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

Most recent news: 

History:

         In March 2006, Media Coalition drafted some language for an amicus brief in Beard v. Banks, a Supreme Court case that is a challenge to a prison policy barring newspapers and magazines except for those that are legal or religious in nature. Prisoners were also barred from watching television, listening to 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.