Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Contact MPA Hotline Attorney Dan Curry by email at dan@brownandcurry.com or by phone at (816) 756-5458 with your questions or for help on legal matters. Consultation is free to active members, and Dan is eager to help.
    

Dan Curry's Column Archive


February 2025 - A Latin prescription for redaction headaches
January 2025 - Judge rules witness names should stay in court records


December 2024 Magazine - A possible workaround to MSHP's crash reports change
November 2024 Bulletin - Highway patrol begins redacting names from crash reports
November 2024 Magazine - Regarding unpaid internships
September 2024 Bulletin - Going to court for press access
September 2024 Magazine - Know what areas of a case attorneys can discuss
August 2024 Bulletin - Summer miscellanea from the MPA Hotline Attorney
August 2024 Magazine - Should the state decide if press is bona fide?
July 2024 Bulletin - Nepotism — A hazard for unwitting pols
July 2024 Magazine - Requesting redacted records
June 2024 Bulletin - School contracts aren't elementary
May 2024 Bulletin - Issue of legislators redacting constituent information could go before Missouri Supreme Court / Judge Alok Ahuja Dissenting Opinion
    

Jean Maneke's Column Archive


June 2024 - Thanks for the memories

May 2024 - When a public figure doesn't want publicity - Examples of court document redactions/More examples of court document redactions

April 2024 - The meeting's agenda is 'tentative', its minutes are not

March 2024 - Fixing the tools to fight misinformation

February 2024 - Protection of the P.R.E.S.S.

January 2024 - Who is your business' registered agent?


December 2023 - The permanency of paper public records

November 2023 - Where do you draw the line on speech?

October 2023 - Open, and increasingly shut, records

September 2023 - Prepare yourself for when law enforcement comes knocking

August 2023 - Use this off-year to refamiliarize yourself with ethics of advertising

July 2023 - The opening up of Case.net could introduce new frustrations

June 2023 - U.S. Supreme Court decisions boost 'Section 230' foundation for online publishers

May 2023 - Encourage local government attorneys to get Sunshine educated

April 2023 - Casenet accessibility brings questions about case closures

March 2023 - Marijuana advertising brings news risks, rewards

February 2023 - Different ways the public can review the people's business

January 2023 - Your voice is needed to oppose efforts to dim Sunshine


December 2022 - Sunshine Law for thee, not for me

November 2022 - The fight for public notices is never-ending

October 2022 - Voting and the media: Elements of a healthy democracy

September 2022 - What about the data police cameras collect

August 2022 - Case.net is going to get a lot more accessible

July 2022 - Publishing public records and the right to privacy

June 2022 - Don't be resigned to public bodies accepting resignations in closed session

May 2022 - Proposed law would 'SLAPP' libel plaintiffs

April 2022 - The politics (and legal expectations) of political advertising

March 2022 - Every publisher contributes to the foundation of press freedom

February 2022 - Sunshine Law changes could alter how history's first draft is written

January 2022 - Coroner's inquests, online decency and Twitter: Key issues from 2021


December 2021 - Take time in 2022 to build up relationships with your courts

November 2021 - When it comes to marijuana ads, media has protections

October 2021 - Make sure your documents are recorded by the book

September 2021 - Show-Me the beef and how it's processed

August 2021 - The taxman's notices cometh

July 2021 - The ongoing case for remote access to Case.net

June 2021 - On the public funding of 'government speech'

May 2021 - When the historical record and takedown requests collide

April 2021 - Determining the privacy of a public figure's tweets

March 2021 - Unpublishing requests gaining new legs around the country

February 2021 - Technology’s role in governing continues to raise questions about transparency

January 2021 - Your readers should know they also benefit from Section 230


December 2020 - Missouri Supreme Court case could clarify Sunshine Law 'research' costs

November 2020 - Explain to your readers why due diligence matters

October 2020 - Use election season to remind politicians of your priorities

September 2020 - Appeal to the 'need to know' when requesting COVID info

August 2020 - Paper or digital: An important Sunshine distinction

July 2020 - Coronavirus' effects on courts linger, even with return to 'normal'

June 2020 - A potpourri about data access

May 2020 - A new meaning for cameras in the courtroom

April 2020 - 'Public' meetings may be going electronic, but you still have access

March 2020 - Know how proposed legislation will affect your work

February 2020 - You have power to file Sunshine Law complaints

January 2020 - Expect new challenges for MPA in 2020


December 2019 - Juvenile records still limited under Sunshine Law

November 2019 - Work together to identify, fix problems

October 2019 - Getting into the weeds of marijuana advertising

September 2019 - Sunshine needs changed for digital shade

August 2019 - Advertising firearm sales is allowed, but publish what you are comfortable

July 2019 - Do your research before covering courts

June 2019 - Without a proper shield law, Missouri journalists need to protect themselves

May 2019 - Splintered Sunshine is not good for Missouri

April 2019 - Missourians support ethics regulations in politics but will the courts?

March 2019 - Good communities need informed citizens

February 2019 - Changes to the Sunshine Law could cripple reporters

January 2019 - Making the public's information less public


December 2018 - Think the best, but prepare your office for the worst

November 2018 - Legal notices get your readers talking (with you and each other)

October 2018 - The more things change, the more they stay the same

September 2018 - The permanency of a newspaper's electronic archives

August 2018 - How well does your insurance protect you?

July 2018 - Public officials can still too easily avoid the Sunshine

June 2018 - More changes for court camera rules

May 2018 - State courts need to reconsider public's access to documents

April 2018 - Changes coming for cameras in courts

March 2018 - Closed coroner’s reports only make people think the worst

February 2018 - Bill could offer needed Sunshine Law changes

January 2018 - The curious case of the disappearing texts


December 2017 - Expect takedown requests in 2018

November 2017 - Sunshine should clarify use of private email

Octoober 2017 - In matters of public record law

September 2017 - Protect yourself when reporting on leaks

August 2017 - Delivery charges not subject to sales, use tax

July 2017 - Sunshine Law still applies as tech changes

June 2017 - Protecting the public's right to know

May 2017 - Government transparency, even in death

April 2017 - Potential changes in store for liquor advertising laws

March 2017 - The legal costs for Sunshine requests

February 2017 - New year brings important digital housekeeping tasks

January 2017 - Knowing the teeth of the Sunshine Law


December 2016 - Why do public bodies violate the Sunshine Law?

November 2016 - The fine line between rights and privacy

October 2016 - The Sun shines on all in Missouri, but not always equally

September 2016 - Political reminder: Properly publish 'paid for' postscripts

August 2016 - Knowing the Sunshine Law and recording public meetings

July 2016 - Missouri Press' grab bag of legal issues

June 2016 - Bodycam law will allow eventual public access to videos

May 2016 - Lawsuit against blog could affect newspaper websites

April 2016 - House Bill 1993 would add to Missouri's Sunshine Law

March 2016 - Police body cam footage has place as a public record

February 2016 - Sunshine Law key to keeping government accountable

January 2016 - Sunshine case improves rights of records


December 2015 - Workers' comp won't cover contract carriers

November 2015 - Witness for the prosecution?

October 2015 - Partnership for Sunshine: 'What Works City'

September 2015 - Consider economic realities, delivery speed

August 2015 - A refresher course in law and ethics

July 2015 - To redact or not to redact ...

June 2015 - Police video access is a 'win-win'

May 2015 - Sunshine means partly cloudy to some

April 2015 - A 'Sunshine Hero' is remembered

March 2015 - What's in your wallet should not limit access to records

February 2015 - Making a difference at the state capitol

January 2015 - Tap county records for new subscribers


December 2014 - Same-sex announcements: not 'if' but 'when'

November 2014 - Courtroom media access needs revision

October 2014 - Court issues public hearing decision

September 2014 - First Amendment fallout in Ferguson

August 2014 - Whats 'fair' in 'fair use?

July 2014 - Privacy: a balancing act

June 2014 - Is government transparency on Death Row

May 2014- Can a judge remove case records before a trial

April 2014 - How does copyright law affect content on Facebook.pdf

March 2014- You can set requirments for advertising in your paper

February 2014 - Time to talk with legislators about rules on using drones

January 2014 - Court rules closed records might also be open records


December 2013 - Court recognizes role of notices in newspapers

November 2013 - Treat public notices (legals) with respect they deserve

October 2013 - Thanks for helping fight override of SB 436 veto

September 2013 - Decide now how to react if HB 436 veto overridden

August 2013 - Government intrusion points to need for shield

July 2013 - Bill on governor's desk patently unconstitutional

June 2013 - How much privacy can we expect in age of Internet?

May 2013 - Missouri Lawyers Media wins open hearing ruling

April 2013 -Ask Legislators for support of Sunshine Law changes

March 2013- Sweepstakes OK if you remove 1 of 3 elements

February 2013 -'Legal notice' has no definition in statutes

January 2013- 'Critical incident' response guidelines may be closed


December 2012 - Required office posters available free online

November 2012 - Ads your papers creates are copyrighted, too!

October 2012 - "Missouri Plan" works

September 2012 - Statutes govern notices of election in counties

August 2012 -Post-Dispatch gets pay record from city office

July 2012 -Getting permission will keep you out of trouble

June 2012 -Get lawyers to pay for legal notices they place

May 2012 -Ad reps play "stamp the lawyer" at their meetings

April 2012 - Audits reveal wholesale flouting of sunshine law

March 2012 - Development authorities should do business openly

February 2012 - Investigators need licenses; are journalists investigators?

January 2012 - Remember 'Superbowl' is registered trademark


December 2011 - Can privacy withstand assault of technology?

November 2011 - Court rule, rulins differ on openness of warrants

October 2011 - Closed meeting notice needs specific reason

September 2011 -Housing ad guidelines will be in the next bulletin

August 2011 -Reporters' tweets give instant narrative of trial

July 2011 - Check your political ad attribution policy now!

June 2011 - Just to read a record shouldn't cost money

May 2011 - Should state decide who are journalists?

April 2011 -Protect yourself from copyright allegations

March 2011 -Audit reports may get law enforcement help

February 2011 -Blogs, Facebook pages have potential for libel

January 2011 - Closing public meeting requires specific reason


December 2010 - You need not expunge archived crime reports

November 2010 - Closed meeting notice needs specific reason

October 2010 - Courts rule on website, open meeting lawsuits

September 2010 - You are protected from defamatory web posts

August 2010 - Electronic public records caught in technical limbo

July 2010 - State courts working on electronic access system

June 2010 - Audit shows frequent Sunshine Law violations

May 2010 - Case.net files should offer all information

April 2010 - Streaming video from Missouri's high court

March 2010 - Kansas case shows need for Shield Law

February 2010 - Divorce files closed until final dissolution

January 2010 - Let your voice be heard on how money is spent


December 2009 -

November 2009 - Be ever vigilant about ads in your newspaper

October 2009 - Court decision could delay records request

September 2009 - Learn phrase 'This is a Sunshine Law request.'

August 2009 - Attorney General sues district over openness

July 2009 - Editors reports local police restrict access to records

June 2009 - Rep. Jones' Sunshine Bill efforts much appreciated

May 2009 - Sunshine Bill still alive, legislator records exempt

April 2009 - Sunshine Law bill need your calls to legislators

March 2009 - Koster plans extensive Sunshine Law training

February 2009 - Work rules changes you need to know

January 2009 - Record retention rules should be part of law


December 2008 - Internet is a great tool, but it raises questions

November 2008 - Judges don't like defendant secrecy

October 2008 - Attribution required on all campaign ads

September 2008 - You'll have to answer questions about ethics

August 2008 - We have allies in fight for open government

July 2008 - Election season brings advertising questions

June 2008 - Politics trump need in Missouri Legislature

May 2008 - Sunshine Law is not unduly burdensome

April 2008 - What Newspapers print can still result in change

March 2008 - Many bills filed relate to open records, meetings

February 2008 - Dear new UM president: Please keep system open

January 2008 - Google, states working to ease records search


December 2007 - Sunshine Law gets an 'F' in ranking of all states

November 2007 - Exciting to see Federal Shield Law progressing

October 2007 - Sunshine Law getting more action than ever

September 2007 - Can City fire employee who said it broke law?

August 2007 - Newspaper writers can hurt our openness effort

July 2007- Federal Law may extend shield to some bloggers

June 2007- Advertising Q&A

May 2007- Housing act violations can be very expensive

April 2007- News stories about bingo, raffles are OK

March 2007- Probes of law officers must be open records

February 2007- Shield Law bill again filed in state Senate

January 2007- Proposed shield law not absolute privilege


December 2006- What level of cost ends access to public records?

November 2006- Government openness lost champion in August

October 2006- Know Political Disclaimer rules

September 2006- Directed verdict in libel suit

August 2006- Law officers in control at emergency scene

July 2006 - Candidates in same group get equal ad rates

June 2006- Court opinions offers some interesting ideas

May 2006- Ohio HIPAA ruling may help emergency news

April 2006- Shield Law bill hits wall

March 2006- AG wrong about county committees

February 2006- Beware of selling reprints of news pictures

January 2006 - Political committees subject to Sunshine Law


December 2005- Supreme Court could get two "openness" cases

November 2005 - Tips to avoid being sued to libel

October 2005- Check work comp rules to see if you are covered

September 2005- Get required work posters free from government

August 2005- Reporters need secret source privilege

July 2005- Shield Law discussion is national

June 2005- Reporter privilege rights still changing

May 2005- Blogging, Newsmasters, and New Journalism

April 2005- Juvenile court rules change

February 2005- Sunshine defines public body

January 2005- Housing Ad Questions


December 2004- Time to retrain your Notary

November 2004- Update your Archives

October 2004- E-Mail and The Sunshine Law

September 2004- Access must be given to online meetings

August 2004- Overtime rules in the newsroom

July 2004 - Two-tiered penalties in Sunshine Law

June 2004- Access to records had a bad month

May 2004- Paper may need broker's license

April 2004- Papers need to sue to make sun shine

March 2004- Recent rulings keep courts open

February 2004- Four opinions in 2003 provide guidance

January 2004- Publications reveal attitude on openness


December 2003- Officials leery of on-line records

November 2003- 'Fair use' rule applies to 'news' photographs

October 2003- Keep 2 basics in mind with 'Do Not Call' law

September 2003- Board members clash over secrecy of records

August 2003- Group using Internet to skirt Sunshine Law

July 2003- Understanding a paper's legal status

June 2003- Reviewing basics of Sunshine Law

May 2003- Libel plaintiff must show actual damage

April 2003- Juvenile court secrecy getting high attention

March 2003- Custodian of records needs to get request

February 2003- Put copyright notice in all ads you create

January 2003- Ethics Commission decisions available


April 2002 - Subtle lessons from Sept. 11


October 2001 - Our Freedom may be a casualty

Enforcing the Sunshine Law

Recent exceptions to the Sunshine Law