Articles

Oral argument in "Docs v. Glocks" case

July 21, 2016 | By CALEB TROTTER

Last month, an en banc Eleventh Circuit heard oral arguments in Wollschlaeger v. Governor of the State of Florida (popularly known as Docs v. Glocks). The case concerns whether a Florida law that prohibits doctors from asking their patients questions about gun possession unless the question is directly relevant to the patient’s care violates ...

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"Docs v. Glocks" case not about guns but speech, PLF says

May 24, 2016 | By CALEB TROTTER

Last month, PLF filed a brief in Wollschlaeger v. Governor of the State of Florida. The case, also known as “Docs v. Glocks,” will be argued in June at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Recently, I was interviewed for an article in the Florida Record about PLF’s brief and the issue in the case. If … ...

Articles

Do doctors give up their First Amendment rights when they speak with patients?

April 26, 2016 | By CALEB TROTTER

The answer to that question should be “no.” Unfortunately, something called the “professional speech doctrine” practically makes the answer, “yes.” That’s why today, as part of our ongoing effort to support free speech, PLF filed a brief in Wollschlaeger v. Governor of the State of Florida in the 11th Circu ...

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President's weekly report — July 31, 2015

July 31, 2015 | By ROB RIVETT

Free speech in Texas We filed this amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to take up Hines v. Alldredge (Texas Board of Veterinary Examiners).  Texas law forbids vets from offering advice without first physically examining the animal. And even though this rule forbids Dr. Hines from communicating information to people, the Fifth Circuit Court of A ...

Articles

When can government deprive professionals of their right to speak?

July 29, 2015 | By TIMOTHY SANDEFUR

Dr. Ronald Hines is a Texas veterinarian who helps people over the telephone. For years, he’s offered his advice to pet owners for a low, flat rate—a convenient alternative for people who might otherwise not be able to visit a vet’s office. But it turns out that’s illegal: Texas law forbids vets from offering advice … ...