Case: American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina v. Stirling

3:24-cv-00906 | U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina

Filed Date: Feb. 22, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On February 22, 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina ("ACLU") sued the Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (“SCDC”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Columbia Division. The ACLU challenged the constitutionality of SCDC's policy prohibiting interviews by any person, on any topic, and by any real-time means, including publishing a prisoner’s written speech. The ACLU claimed this blanket policy violated th…

On February 22, 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina ("ACLU") sued the Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (“SCDC”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Columbia Division. The ACLU challenged the constitutionality of SCDC's policy prohibiting interviews by any person, on any topic, and by any real-time means, including publishing a prisoner’s written speech. The ACLU claimed this blanket policy violated the ACLU's First Amendment right to receive and publish the speech of those incarcerated. The plaintiff sought for SCDC’s policy declared in violation of the First Amendment, and preliminarily and permanently ceasing the enforcement of this prohibition. The case was assigned to District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin.

On February 23, 2024, the ACLU filed for a motion for preliminary injunction, and in response, SCDC filed a motion to dismiss on April 2. On August 30, 2024, the district court denied the plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction and granted the defendant's motion to dismiss. The court found that the ACLU had no special First Amendment right to information within the government’s control. Judge Austin dismissed this case with prejudice.

On September 9, the ACLU appealed to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and on December 13, 2024, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that the ACLU did not have any First Amendment right to interview the inmates. On December 27, the order was temporarily stayed until the ACLU's petition for a rehearing en banc was resolved. This case is ongoing as of January 31, 2025.

Summary Authors

Danica Fong (1/31/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68276788/parties/american-civil-liberties-union-foundation-of-south-carolina-v-stirling/


Judge(s)

Austin, Jacquelyn D. (South Carolina)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Fathi, David Cyrus (South Carolina)

Attorney for Defendant

Carroll, Matthew Todd (South Carolina)

Collins, David Michael (South Carolina)

Hall, Kevin A (South Carolina)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

24-01882

Docket

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

Docket
1

3:24-cv-00906

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Feb. 22, 2024

Feb. 22, 2024

Complaint
36

3:24-cv-00906

Opinion and Order

Aug. 30, 2024

Aug. 30, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 4008537

37

3:24-cv-00906

Judgment in a Civil Action

Aug. 30, 2024

Aug. 30, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 4008537

42

3:24-cv-00906

USCA Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Dec. 13, 2024

Dec. 13, 2024

Order/Opinion

123 F.4th 170

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68276788/american-civil-liberties-union-foundation-of-south-carolina-v-stirling/

Last updated Aug. 29, 2026, 5:13 a.m.

Docket for: American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina v. Stirling
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Feb. 22, 2024

COMPLAINT against Bryan Stirling ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ASCDC-11606220.), filed by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Service due by 5/22/2024(ahil) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

Clearinghouse
3 Feb. 22, 2024

Local Rule 26.01 Answers to Interrogatories by Bryan Stirling.(ahil) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

RECAP
4 Feb. 23, 2024

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 3/8/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Memo in Support Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Affidavit Declaration of Allen Chaney, # 3 Exhibit A -- SCDC Policy GA-02.01, # 4 Exhibit B -- SCDC Press Release (Aug. 30, 2023), # 5 Exhibit C -- Post and Courier Article Interviewing Bryan Stirling, # 6 Exhibit D -- SCDC Letter to Jim Griffin (Aug. 30, 2023), # 7 Exhibit E -- SCDC Incident Report (Aug. 14, 2023), # 8 Exhibit F -- SCDC Incident Report (Aug. 15, 2023), # 9 Exhibit G -- FITSNews Article, # 10 Exhibit H -- Columbia Journalism Review Article re SCDC, # 11 Exhibit I -- SCDC Policy OP-22.53, # 12 Exhibit J -- 50 State Survey of Press Access in Prisons)No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

1 Memo in Support Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Prel

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2 Affidavit Declaration of Allen Chaney

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3 Exhibit A -- SCDC Policy GA-02.01

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4 Exhibit B -- SCDC Press Release (Aug. 30, 2023)

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5 Exhibit C -- Post and Courier Article Interviewing Bryan Stirling

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6 Exhibit D -- SCDC Letter to Jim Griffin (Aug. 30, 2023)

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7 Exhibit E -- SCDC Incident Report (Aug. 14, 2023)

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8 Exhibit F -- SCDC Incident Report (Aug. 15, 2023)

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9 Exhibit G -- FITSNews Article

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10 Exhibit H -- Columbia Journalism Review Article re SCDC

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11 Exhibit I -- SCDC Policy OP-22.53

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12 Exhibit J -- 50 State Survey of Press Access in Prisons

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RECAP
5 Feb. 23, 2024

Summons Issued as to Bryan Stirling. (ahil) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

RECAP
6 March 1, 2024

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina re 5 Summons Issued, 1 Complaint, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 3 Local Rule 26.01 Answers to Interrogatories (Chaney, David) (Entered: 03/01/2024)

RECAP
7 March 1, 2024

SUMMONS Returned Executed by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Bryan Stirling served on 3/1/2024, answer due 3/22/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Service)(Chaney, David) Modified on 3/7/2024 to edit filing date to that of the original (ahil). (Entered: 03/05/2024)

RECAP
8 March 7, 2024

DELETION OF DOCKET ENTRY NUMBER 6 Reason: Refiled by filer to correct multiple filing issues.Corrected Filing Document Number 7 Modified filing date to that of original filing: 3/01/2024. (ahil) (Entered: 03/07/2024)

RECAP
March 7, 2024

Entry Deletion

9 March 20, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Kevin A Hall on behalf of Bryan Stirling (Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

RECAP
10 March 20, 2024

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time by Bryan Stirling. Response to Motion due by 4/3/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. No proposed order.(Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

RECAP
13 March 21, 2024

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by David Fathi ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number ASCDC-11662169) by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 4/4/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Application for Admission PHV, # 2 Supporting Documents Certificate of Good Standing (Fathi))No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 03/21/2024)

RECAP
3 March 22, 2024

Local Rule 26.01 Answers to Interrogatories by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Refiled by clerk to correct filer.(ahil) (Entered: 03/27/2024)

RECAP
14 March 22, 2024

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Emerson Sykes ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number BSCDC-11665204) by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 4/5/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Application for Admission PHV, # 2 Supporting Documents Certificate of Good Standing)No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 03/22/2024)

RECAP
15 March 22, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 13 Motion for David Cyrus Fathi to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiff American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on March 22, 2024.(ahil) (Entered: 03/22/2024)

RECAP
16 March 22, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 14 Motion for Emerson James Sykes to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Plaintiff American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on March 22, 2024.(ahil) (Entered: 03/22/2024)

RECAP
March 22, 2024

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

17 March 25, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 10 consent motion for extension of time. Defendant's response to Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is due April 2, 2024. IT IS SO ORDERED. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on March 25, 2024. (ahil) (Entered: 03/25/2024)

RECAP
March 25, 2024

Order AND ~Util - Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

18 March 27, 2024

CLERK's NOTICE: Defendant is reminded that Answers to Local Rule 26.01 Interrogatories are to be filed at the time a party first appears. Please file by Tuesday, April 2, 2024(ahil) Modified on 3/27/2024 to edit text (ahil). (Entered: 03/27/2024)

RECAP
March 27, 2024

Notice Other

20 April 2, 2024

MOTION to Dismiss by Bryan Stirling. Response to Motion due by 4/16/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Memo in Support of Def's MTD and in Opposition to Plt's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Exhibit A to Memo - Affidavit of Chrysti Shain, # 3 Exhibit B to Memo - Affidavit of Bryan Antonelli)No proposed order.(Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 04/02/2024)

1 Memo in Support of Def's MTD and in Opposition to Plt's Motion for Pre

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2 Exhibit A to Memo - Affidavit of Chrysti Shain

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3 Exhibit B to Memo - Affidavit of Bryan Antonelli

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RECAP
21 April 2, 2024

RESPONSE in Opposition re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Response filed by Bryan Stirling.Reply to Response to Motion due by 4/9/2024 Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Affidavit of Chrysti Shain, # 2 Exhibit B - Affidavit of Bryan Antonelli)(Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 04/02/2024)

RECAP
22 April 2, 2024

Local Rule 26.01 Answers to Interrogatories by Bryan Stirling.(Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 04/02/2024)

RECAP
23 April 5, 2024

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Corene Kendrick ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number ASCDC-11692481) by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 4/19/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Application for Admission PHV, # 2 Supporting Documents Certificate of Good Standing)No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 04/05/2024)

RECAP
24 April 5, 2024

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 21 Response in Opposition to Motion, by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 4/19/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 04/05/2024)

RECAP
25 April 8, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 24 consent motion for extension of time. Plaintiff's reply to Defendant's response in opposition to Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is due April 16, 2024. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on April 8, 2024.(ahil) (Entered: 04/08/2024)

RECAP
April 8, 2024

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

26 April 16, 2024

RESPONSE in Opposition re 20 MOTION to Dismiss Response filed by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina.Reply to Response to Motion due by 4/23/2024 Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6. (Chaney, David) (Main Document 26 replaced on 4/17/2024 with document provided by filer.) (ahil) (Entered: 04/16/2024)

RECAP
27 April 16, 2024

REPLY to Response to Motion re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Response filed by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. (Chaney, David) (Entered: 04/16/2024)

RECAP
29 April 23, 2024

AFFIDAVIT in Support re 21 Response in Opposition to Motion, . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Affidavit of Chrysti Shain)(Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 04/23/2024)

RECAP
30 April 23, 2024

REPLY to Response to Motion re 20 MOTION to Dismiss Response filed by Bryan Stirling. (Hall, Kevin) (Entered: 04/23/2024)

RECAP
31 April 24, 2024

TEXT ORDER denying 23 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice with leave to refile. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D Austin on April 24, 2024.(ahil) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

RECAP
April 24, 2024

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

32 May 20, 2024

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Corene Kendrick ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number BSCDC-11775134) by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 6/3/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Application to Appear Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Supporting Documents Certificate of Good Standing)No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 05/20/2024)

RECAP
33 June 7, 2024

TEXT ORDER granting 32 Motion for Corene Thaedra Kendrick to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of plaintiff American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on June 7, 2024.(ahil) (Entered: 06/07/2024)

RECAP
June 7, 2024

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

34 Aug. 13, 2024

MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Preliminary Injunction and Notice of Supplemental Facts by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Response to Motion due by 8/27/2024. Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6 or Fed. R. Crim. P. 45. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Owens v. Stirling, Op. No. 28222 (S.C. July 31, 2024))No proposed order.(Chaney, David) (Entered: 08/13/2024)

RECAP
Aug. 16, 2024

~Util - Set Deadlines

Aug. 16, 2024

TEXT ORDER directing Defendant to respond to 34 Plaintiff's motion to expedite by August 23, 2024. Signed by the Honorable Jacquelyn D. Austin on August 16, 2024. (ahil)

35 Aug. 23, 2024

RESPONSE in Opposition re 34 MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Preliminary Injunction and Notice of Supplemental Facts Response filed by Bryan Stirling.Reply to Response to Motion due by 8/30/2024 Add an additional 3 days only if served by mail or otherwise allowed under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6. (Hall, Kevin) Modified on 8/23/2024 to update docket text per filing user (apsn). (Entered: 08/23/2024)

RECAP
36 Aug. 30, 2024

OPINION AND ORDER denying 4 Motion for Preliminary Injunction; granting 20 Motion to Dismiss; finding as moot 34 Motion to Expedite. Signed by Honorable Jacquelyn D Austin on 8/30/2024.(cbru, )

Clearinghouse
37 Aug. 30, 2024

JUDGMENT dismissing this action with prejudice. (cbru, ) (Entered: 08/30/2024)

Clearinghouse
39 Sept. 9, 2024

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 37 Judgment, 36 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction, Order on Motion to Dismiss, Order on Motion to Expedite by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. - Filing fee $ 605, receipt number ASCDC-11980670. The Docketing Statement form, Transcript Order form and CJA 24 form may be obtained from the Fourth Circuit website at www.ca4.uscourts.gov (Chaney, David) (Entered: 09/09/2024)

RECAP
40 Sept. 10, 2024

Transmittal Sheet for Notice of Appeal to USCA re 39 Notice of Appeal, The Clerk's Office hereby certifies the record and the docket sheet available through ECF to be the certified list in lieu of the record and/or the certified copy of the docket entries. (apsn) (Entered: 09/10/2024)

RECAP
42 Dec. 13, 2024

USCA OPINION for 39 Notice of Appeal, filed by American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of South Carolina. Decision of Appeals Court Affirmed by published opinion decision of District Court. (ahil) Modified on 12/13/2024 to edit text (ahil). (Entered: 12/13/2024)

RECAP
43 Feb. 14, 2025

USCA Mandate

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

South Carolina

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 22, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina

Plaintiff Type(s):

Public (for-profit) corporation

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

South Carolina Department of Corrections

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of South Carolina 3:24-cv-00906

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 24-01882

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief denied

Issues

General/Misc.:

Conditions of confinement

Recommended Citation