Contact: Brad Dacus, President, Pacific Justice Institute, 916-857-6900

NEVADA CITY, Calif., Dec. 17 /Standard Newswire/ -- A school district in Northern California has become so alarmed by media interest in a right to privacy lawsuit it is defending that it is now asking the court to order opposing attorneys not to talk to the media about the case.

The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of a 12-year-old student in Nevada City who was allegedly pulled out of class and forced to take a pregnancy test by a school counselor, without her parents' knowledge or consent. 

Following a hearing that was open to the public, the minor's attorney, Matthew McReynolds of Pacific Justice Institute, responded to questions from a local newspaper reporter who was present, explaining the proceedings and informing her that a recent deposition of another student had confirmed his client's story. The school district, not liking the ensuing story, is now claiming it cannot get a fair trial unless the court prevents PJI attorneys from talking to the media. The hearing will be held this coming Friday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. in Dept. 4 of the Nevada County Superior Court in Nevada City.
 
PJI attorney Matthew McReynolds commented on the upcoming hearing, "It is ironic that a school district accused of violating a student's privacy rights is now taking extraordinary steps to shield itself from negative publicity.  Our nation has a long and important tradition of full media access to court proceedings, and attorneys have strong First Amendment rights to respond to press inquiries on behalf of their clients."

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, stated, "Free speech and freedom of the press are too important to be subjected to the whims of a governmental entity seeking to avoid public scrutiny.  In advancing the cause of religious and civil rights, we have certainly experienced all types of media coverage over the years. Regardless of whether we like or dislike a particular news article, the public is not served by cloaking legal proceedings in a veil of silence, particularly in a civil case."

About The Pacific Justice Institute:  Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. Pacific Justice Institute works diligently, without charge, to provide their clients with all the legal support they need.  Pacific Justice Institute's strategy is to coordinate and oversee large numbers of concurrent court actions through a network of over 1,000 affiliate attorneys nationwide. And, according to former US Attorney General Edwin Meese, "The Institute fills a critical need for those whose civil liberties are threatened." "Through our dedicated attorneys and supporters, we defend the rights of countless individuals, families and churches... without charge."

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