“A Nation Of Sheep Will Beget A Government Of Wolves,” Edward R. Murrow.

A superior court refused to provide prompt access to newly filed unlimited civil complaints, making a news service wait days or weeks until the documents are fully processed. The news service brought an action for declaratory relief in federal court, and the trial judge declined to decide the matter because it implicates sensitive state interests. Noting the case presents an important First Amendment Government issue, the Ninth Circuit reversed, stating: “We conclude that the district court erred by abstaining and dismissing the action and, accordingly, reverse and remand.” (Courthouse News Service v. Planet (Ventura County Sup. Ct.) (Ninth Cir.; April 7, 2014) (Case No. 11-57187).)