What are the laws about what/ who you can take pictures of? What are the laws about taking pictures of government buildings and stuff, I've heard stories about people getting in trouble for that and getting there camera/film taken away?
2006-09-05 12:27:54 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You have the right to take pictures from any PUBLIC spot outside the building; although, I have seen cases where ppl were quite harrassed and questioned for doing so.
2006-09-09 11:53:30 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, any public building is fair game, unless the picture would include some classified information.
Pictures of private individuals are different, but as long as they are not being published or used for any commercial purpose, it would be difficult to enforce.
If police take a camera away, and have a valid reason, they can confiscate the film and pay you compensation under the 5th Amendment takings clause. If they have no valid reason, that's a due process violation and potentially a civil liberties violation.
2006-09-05 19:32:56 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On my base if you try to take a picture of the DC skyline you get slammed. Well, you get a ride in the cop car at least...
I don't know about regular rules though. You can't take a pic of the Pentagon or Capitol, or any government buildings. You get in lots of trouble, as well as having the camera get taken away.
2006-09-05 19:47:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, the laws about what can be photographed and what cannot depend on security and copyright. Museums and government buildings that have "no camera" policies are generally clearly marked, and signs should indicate what measures are taken for enforcement (confiscation of camera/film, being asked to leave the premises, etc.).
As long as no signs are present, photographs in public places are admissable (including photographs of people in public places).
2006-09-05 19:39:14 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the government building, I would imagine. It would be a big difference between taking pictures of the Lincoln Memorial and taking pictures in Federal Plaza, NY (where security guards will stop you).
There's prohibitions against taking pictures *inside* certain government buildings as well.
2006-09-05 19:35:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's a government facility that you aren't supposed to photograph, there's usually a sign at the entrance.
Most, perhaps all, US military installations have such a sign.
2006-09-05 19:32:47 · answer #6 · answered by Steve A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋