Ohio AG Filing Briefs On Both Sides Of A Supreme Court Case

Ohio’s Attorney is filing two briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case addressing an Ohio state law that makes it a crime to knowingly or recklessly make false statements during political campaigns. One brief defends the law, and the other argues that its enforcement could violate the First Amendment. They are being written by separate teams of lawyers who are not in contact, explains the AG, Michael DeWine. The law allows complaints alleging false statements to be filed by anyone, and it applies to all kinds of comments, including Internet comments, blogs, and Facebook posts. “In practice, Ohio’s false statements law allows the state’s legal machinery to be used extensively by private actors to gain political advantage,” the brief criticizing the law reads. The second brief, defending the law, is expected to be filed this week.