8legs: Paul friedman

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Judge sides with New York Times in challenge to policy limiting reporters’ access to Pentagon

A federal judge blocked key parts of the Pentagon's new journalist access policy, ruling it unlawful and infringing on free speech and due process.
Judge Paul Friedman said the policy fails to provide fair notice on what qualifies for credential denial or suspension.
The Times filed suit in December, arguing the credentialing policy violated the journalists' First and Fifth Amendment rights.
Pentagon officials defended the policy as common-sense rules to protect national security.
The ruling limits the ability of reporters who walked out of the Pentagon to be denied under the new rules.
The decision follows a December lawsuit by the New York Times against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon.
The current Pentagon press corps includes outlets that agreed to the policy, while others continued reporting under the old terms.
Judge Friedman was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Clinton, and he ruled the policy violates the First and Fifth Amendments.
The Times and other outlets argue the policy could silence critical coverage of the administration.
Background context shows a dispute over access during briefings and policy changes under the Trump administration.

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