California Journal of Politics and Policy

This article analyzes the 2014 updates to California’s invasion of privacy laws, Sections 1708.8 and 1708.7 of the Civil Code, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.[1] It will examine whether the two-year old laws violate the First Amendment right to freedom of the press despite efforts by the California legislature and governor to protect the privacy rights of individuals and their families, especially celebrities.  This article will also analyze Raef v. Superior County of Los Angeles, the California court decision that may provide legal guidance about the constitutionality of Sections 1708.8 and 1708.7.  The Raef case tested whether the media are legally liable under Section 40008 of the California Vehicle Code when driving recklessly to pursue celebrity photos.

[1] CAL CIV CODE §1708.8  (2014) and CAL CIV CODE §1708.7 (1) (2014).