Thursday, December 03, 2009

Rights with your camera

Too often I'll read a news article about some policeman who hassles a citizen taking pictures. This seems to happen when the policeman is involved with an arrest.

I like this summary of a photographer's rights. It starts with:

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About this Guide
Confrontations that impair the constitutional right to make images are becoming more common. To fight the abuse of your right to free expression, you need to know your rights to take photographs and the remedies available if your rights are infringed.


The General Rule
The general rule in the United States is that anyone may take photographs of whatever they want when they are in a public place or places where they have permission to take photographs. Absent a specific legal prohibition such as a statute or ordinance, you are legally entitled to take photographs. Examples of places that are traditionally considered public are streets, sidewalks, and public parks.

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I think it is good for all citizens to know what is legal. I've printed a copy so it is easy to reference. You might want to also print a copy.

(Hat tip: Instapundit)


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Technorati tags: photograph, rights

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