A federal judge in Baton Rouge will hear oral arguments next week in a challenge to a new Louisiana law that makes it a criminal offense to come within 25 feet of a working police officer after being asked to step back. Attorneys representing news organizations argue that the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The law is set to go into effect in July before a group of news organizations sued to stop it. Critics argue that the law restricts free speech rights and fails to provide clear guidelines on prohibited conduct. Supporters say the law is necessary to protect law enforcement officers, citing incidents where officers were injured while carrying out their duties. The debate over the law highlights the tension between protecting law enforcement and upholding First Amendment rights. The judge has yet to issue a ruling on the case.
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