In 1985 the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that a Costa Rican statute requiring journalists to be licensed violates the American Convention on Human Rights and, by extension, all human rights conventions. Though press freedom advocates hailed it as a major triumph for freedom of expression, the court's ruling was only advisory and has not stopped Costa Rica or other Latin American countries from maintaining such licensing laws. Debate over the licensing of journalists continues, however. The Inter-American Press Association has called upon the legislatures of signatory countries of the Inter-American Convention of Human Rights to repeal their licensing laws in light of the Inter-American Court's decision. While opponents do not dispute the fact that the "colegios" (professional associations which journalists are required to join) can promote the betterment of the journalism profession, they do object to the compulsory nature of the membership. Despite the stated motive of protection of journalists and of the public, such laws constitute a prior restraint, preventing journalists from exercising their right to freedom of expression and limiting the right of the public to receive information and ideas. (Five endnotes and 49 references are attached.) (MHC)