Prosecutor Jackaz’s Gag Motion Ignites Constitutional Firestorm
State Attorney John “Jack” Doyle’s August 22 motion against journalist Paul Boyne has set off a constitutional firestorm. Doyle wants to ban Boyne from possessing or sharing discovery—even redacted—with the press. Critics call it an unprecedented gag that shreds the First Amendment. Boyne, once editor of The Family Court Circus, labels Doyle “Jackaz” and accuses him of covering up judicial corruption. Even Connecticut’s own constitution promises citizens the right to “freely speak, write and publish.” Now Doyle’s bid to silence Boyne has become a national litmus test: can America tolerate unpopular voices, or will Connecticut muzzle them?