Lawyer Mark Javitch Scores Courtroom Win to Free the Zapruder Film — National Archives Responds by Locking Up the Best Copies

Attorney Mark Javitch secured a court victory enabling the public access to the Zapruder film, but the National Archives subsequently signed an agreement with the Sixth Floor Museum restricting access to the highest-resolution versions. This agreement imposes new restrictions on film usage and copyright display, seemingly circumventing the court’s ruling. Javitch believes full public access to the best copies is crucial to determine the film’s authenticity.

• A federal judge ruled that the National Archives can be compelled to put the Zapruder film online and that its copyright is subject to challenge.
• Despite the court ruling, the National Archives signed a new agreement with the Sixth Floor Museum that restricts access to the clearest, highest-resolution versions of the film.
• The new agreement limits access to ‘non-commercial grade’ copies and imposes editorial restrictions on how the film can be presented.
• Attorney Mark Javitch is fighting for public access, arguing that the American people paid for the film and deserve to see all of it, including the highest-resolution versions.
• The author suggests the government’s actions mirror a pattern of stalling transparency when public demand for evidence arises.