pmichael :
Disrupting Business: Auditors can be required to leave if they are genuinely interfering with the conduct of public business, preventing staff from performing their duties, or disrupting public services.
Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions: The government can enforce "reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions" on filming and speech, provided these rules are content-neutral, serve a significant government interest (like public safety or efficient operation), and are clearly posted and uniformly applied.
Non-Public Areas: The First Amendment does not grant unlimited access to all government property. Areas not intended for public expression, such as private offices, employee workspaces, restrooms, or secure areas, are considered "nonpublic forums" where filming can be prohibited.
Harassment and Threats: Auditors are not immune from laws against harassment, making actual threats, or engaging in physical altercations. Such conduct can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Ownership of Buildings
While public buildings are funded by taxpayers, this does not legally mean individuals "own" them and can use them without restriction. The controlling government agency maintains the authority to manage the property and set rules for public access and conduct.
Auditors often aim to provoke an overreaction to test legal boundaries and potentially pursue a lawsuit, but their activities are only protected as long as they stay within established legal limits and do not break other laws, such as trespassing or disorderly conduct.
2025-12-07 21:12:36