Date: 29 Feb 1996
From: Vigdor Schreibman - FINS (2/29/96)
To: Marc Rotenberg
Subject: "Freedom of the Press--in Congress"

Ritchie mentioned _Watkins v. US_ (1957), as 
a case that upheld the principle that the Bill
of Rights applies to the conduct of Congress 
in carrying out any of its functions under the 
rule making authority. 

The case is reported at 354 US 178.  It
involves the power of Congress to conduct an
investigation into individual affairs.  The
case provides broad support for the principle 
that "The Bill of Rights is applicable to 
congressional investigations as it is to all 
forms of government action." at 188.  The
Court also observed that "A congressional
investigation is subject to the command that
Congress shall make no law abridging freedom
of speech or press or assembly." at 196-197.

How could the court or any reasonable person,
other than oficials of the Press Gallery who
live under a different solar system,
say anything different?

I made a copy of the headnotes and tried to
drop them off but you work bankers hours and
were not answering calls.  So I have it here
and will turn it over whenever I see you next.

Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>