Welcome to CFAC's Know-Your-Rights PODCASTS

CFAC's Know-Your-Rights PODCASTS are an invaluable resource for journalists and engaged citizens looking to keep their government open and honest. The podcasts feature straightforward and easy-to-understand instruction on the essentials of access laws in California -- presented by some of the best lawyers in the business.

CFAC has four podcasts on the following subjects:

1) access to government meetings (the Brown Act); 
2) access to government records; (the Public Records Act);
3) access to court proceedings and court records;
4) legal issues surrounding newsgathering.

Soon, all CFAC  PODCASTS will also be available in both Spanish and Chinese -- for the benefit of journalists and activists in California's largest immigrant communities.

To view podcasts you must have iTunes or Quicktime
Click here to download.

Available Podcasts:

Essentials of CA's Brown Act
用中文 | Español

Presented by James M. Chadwick, a partner in the entertainment, media and business trials practice groups in the San Francisco office of Sheppard Mullin, a major CA. law firm. Chadwick is the recipient of the James Madison Freedom of Information Award, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, and is also a member of CFAC's Board of Directors.

California Public Records Act
用中文 | Español

Presented by Roger Myers, a partner at Holme Roberts & Owen’s San Francisco office. Myers’ practice focuses on media, internet, intellectual property, and unfair competition law.  He is the recipient of International Human Rights Award from the American Bar Association in 2005 and the James Madison Freedom of Information Award, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists, in 1998. Myers is general counsel to CFAC. 

Access to State and Federal Court Records
用中文 | Español

Presented by Duffy Carolan, a partner of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP's San Francisco office.  Carolan has been representing the media in the Bay Area for over 15 years.  She is the immediate past chair of the ABA's Media, Privacy and Defamation Law Committee, Trial Tort & Insurance Practice Group Section, and a 2006 recipient of the Nor. Cal. Society of Professional Journalists James Madison Award (special citation). Carolan is a CFAC Board Member.

Newsgathering 
用中文 | Español

Presented by Karl Olson, a partner at the San Francisco law firm of Levy Ram & Olson.  Olson has defended numerous news media clients and individuals in defamation and SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) suits, including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Sacramento Bee and others.  He represented the CFAC in obtaining the investment records of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).  Olson is also a member of CFAC’s Board of Directors.

Now Available video podcast from CFAC's 2006 Free Speech and Open Governement Assembly

National Security Secrecy: Featuring: Daniel Ellsberg, former NSA General Counsel Robert Deitz, John Sims, Electronic Frontiers Foundation attorney Lee Tien, and CFAC General Counsel Roger Myers.

Protecting Confidential Soucres: Featuring: Judith Miller, SF Chronicle managing editor Robert Rosenthal, Wen Ho Lee attorney Brian Sun, and others.