Simon Glik was arrested for shooting this footage of police arresting a suspect after a car accident.

Glik was charged with criminal violation of the Massachusetts wiretap act, aiding the escape of a prisoner and disturbing the peace. On appeal the First Circuit Court upheld the lower court’s ruling that, yes, “in the First Circuit . . . this First Amendment right publicly to record the activities of police officers on public business is established.”

Additionally, the Court went on to add, “Gathering information about government officials in a form that can readily be disseminated to others serves a cardinal First Amendment interest in protecting and promoting ‘the free discussion of governmental affairs.” Your rights [in the First Circuit] are safe for another day.

Via the Citizen Media Law Project.