Court revives inmate’s claim against no-beard policy
4th Circuit panel says prison failed to explain why a Muslim prisoner’s 1/8-inch beard worn for religious reasons would pose a problem.
Ariz. governor signs bill against online stalking
Provision that free-speech advocates had said could lead to criminal charges for constitutionally protected comments online was dropped.
Whistleblower suit over prison ‘coddling’ inmates revived
6th Circuit reinstates Ruth Mosholder’s claim that she was reassigned after telling lawmakers that prison lacked overall discipline.
Federal judge sides with Ga. State in copyright fight
Court rejects 69 claims brought by publishers, finding fair use protects professor’s decision to allow students to access excerpts through university’s online system.
Judge tosses defamation suit vs. Syracuse, Boeheim
New York judge rules that Boeheim was stating opinion, not facts, in his comments about two men who alleged sexual abuse against a former coach.
Kan. Senate approves anti-Islamic law measure
Bill now goes to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, who hasn’t said whether he’ll sign or veto it.
Fla. city uses robocalls to fight nuisance signs
Software program uses phone numbers on roadside signs to call business owners informing them of code violations.
Appeals court grants wax seal to Maker’s Mark
Other distillers can’t use brand’s distinctive red dripping-wax seal atop their bottles, 6th Circuit rules.
Public employees deserve protection when they testify
Fortunately, some courts recognize that giving testimony counts as ‘citizen speech’ under a Supreme Court ruling otherwise hostile to public-employee free speech.
Military college course suspended for its view on Islam
Instructor at Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., had been teaching that Islam itself, not just Islamic terrorism, was the enemy of the West.
Judge rejects effort to open CIA volume on Cuba
Internal history of failed Bay of Pigs invasion was a draft containing deficiencies, agency argues successfully in opposing release.
Calif. county court releases improperly withheld records
Officials unseal documents in 2,400 criminal cases after local newspaper argues they are public records.
Ken Paulson is president and chief executive officer/First Amendment Center. Previously, Paulson served as editor and senior vice president/news of USA Today and USATODAY.com.
Gene Policinski, senior vice president and executive director of the First Amendment Center, is a veteran journalist whose career has included work in newspapers, radio, television and online.
John Seigenthaler founded the First Amendment Center in 1991 with the mission of creating national discussion, dialogue and debate about First Amendment rights and values.
Dr. Charles C. Haynes is director of the Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum. He writes and speaks extensively on religious liberty and religion in American public life.
David L. Hudson Jr. is a scholar at the First Amendment Center. Hudson writes for firstamendmentcenter.org and for other publications devoted to First Amendment issues.
Tiffany Villager is director/First Amendment studies at the First Amendment Center, which she joined in 1993. She also served as the center’s research manager and research coordinator, and developed the center’s library.
Speech Commentary | Douglas E. Lee | May 14, 2012
Influential judge has cramped view of First Amendment
Richard Posner of the 7th Circuit says in dissent in Illinois audio-recording case that ‘the constitutional right of free speech, as construed nowadays, is nowhere to be found in the Constitution.’