A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by media outlets challenging a new Louisiana law that makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet (nearly 8 meters) of a working police officer after being ordered to step back.
Attorneys for the six news organization seeking a preliminary junction to stop the state from enforcing the measure, which took effect Aug. 1, argue that the law is unconstitutional — saying it violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Opponents of the law say they fear the enforceable “buffer zone” could hinder reporters' rights to film and observe officers, and therefore infringe on their ability to gather news.
