Jeffrey J. Pyle Quoted in GateHouse Media Regarding Proposed Bill Banning Media From Identifying Witnesses Under the Age of Eighteen

In a bill that media law partner Jeff Pyle says is “flatly unconstitutional,” those who publish the names or any information about witnesses in a criminal trial who are under the age of 18, would be subject to a fine and up to one year in prison. While the bill has the backing of victim-witness advocates, Jeff states that it “doesn’t stand up to constitutional scrutiny.”

He adds, “to suggest that criminal penalties include a year’s imprisonment for reporting on what happens in open court is so alien to our constitutional protections.” On February 7, 2012, the bill goes to a hearing before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

Click here to read the complete article and all of Jeff’s comments.