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House passes bill to block graphic crime-scene photos
ATLANTA — The House voted unanimously this afternoon to block distribution of crime-scene photos that show a dismembered body or the victim’s genitals.
Editorial: Lawmakers move too fast on crime scene photos
The rush to get House Bill 1322, the Meredith Emerson Privacy Act, through the Georgia General Assembly is completely understandable. It's difficult to criticize state Rep. Jill Chambers, R-Atlanta, House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, and other lawmakers for quickly bringing their power as elected officials to bear to keep crime scene photos of the lifeless, decapitated body of murdered 24-year-old hiker Meredith Emerson out of the hands of a reporter working for a pornographic magazine.
Editorial: Amended crime scene bill creates problem
It was in the finest tradition of representative government that state Sen. Donzella James, D-Atlanta, proposed an amendment to a House bill restricting public access to some crime scene photos. Her amendment would extend that restriction to recordings of some 911 calls and some police dashboard video camera footage. And given the sensitive nature of such material, it's hardly surprising the Senate would vote 50-0 in favor of amending the House bill.
Thompson: Crime scene photo law getting 'better'
You'll note the word "better" in the headline for today's column is in quotes.
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