Background in Bradburn v. NCRLD (Internet Filtering at Libraries)

Three library users and a nonprofit organization brought suit to ensure that patrons of a library system in Eastern Washington have access to useful and lawful information on the Internet. The lawsuit challenges the library system’s rigid policy of using a very restrictive Internet filter to bar access to information on its computers and of refusing to honor requests by adult patrons to temporarily disable the filter for sessions of uncensored reading and research.

Update, April 23, 2008: At an April 23, 2008 hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Shea requested the parties to certify questions to the Washington Supreme Court on state constitutional claims in the lawsuit. The judge will rule on motions in the case after the supreme court provides guidance on these issues.

Legal Documents:

Complaint

Bradburn v. NCLRD complaint  (PDF)
Complaint seeking a change in NCLRD Internet filtering policies.

Press Release

ACLU Suit Seeks Access to Information on Internet for Library Patrons  
The lawsuit challenges the North Central Regional Library District's use of a strict Internet filter on public computers, and its refusal to temporarily disable the filter for adult users.

Related Documents: