Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Analysis of First Amendment in Defamation Lawsuit Against Alex Jones

August 3rd, 2022

A trial is underway in the defamation lawsuit brought against conspiracy theorist and media personality, Alex Jones. The trial, which is taking place in Austin, TX, has drawn national attention and extensive media coverage.

As the trial continues, the Associated Press recently published a story that examines how the First Amendment and free speech factor into Alex Jones’ case. Attorney Barry N. Covert spoke with the Associated Press’ Legal Affairs Writer, Michael Tarm, to provide legal analysis for this story.

The defamation lawsuit was brought against Alex Jones by parents of one of the student victims in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Alex Jones made comments that the shooting was a hoax, which prompted the defamation lawsuit.

In its “EXPLAINER” article, the Associated Press examines how this defamation case relates to the First Amendment, by addressing several questions, including:
More…

Attorney Barry Covert Helps Local Church in Dispute with Municipality Regarding Political Sign

January 26th, 2021

Rod Watson of The Buffalo News recently published a column that details a dispute between the Village of East Aurora and the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora regarding a political sign.

Attorney Barry Covert, who represented the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora in this First Amendment and Zoning Law matter, spoke to Rod Watson to provide comment for his column.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora displayed a banner outside of their church in support of Black Lives Matter. Village of East Aurora officials informed the church that the banner would have to be removed because it violated zoning rules. Specifically, the village said the sign was too large and it put the church over the limit on the number of signs it was allowed to display.
More…