MORE ARTICLES FROM ‘Speech Commentary’
Ariz. bill on teacher profanity: odd, unnecessary
There doesn’t seem to be any widespread problem in Arizona with profane teachers, and there’s no need for legislatures to step in when school districts can regulate classroom conduct.
Public has a right to keep an eye on police
Just as officers use technology to watch citizens, individuals have a right to monitor the work of officers on the public payroll.
Copyright law favors Romney in ad’s use of NBC News report
‘Fair use’ exception ensures that copyright restrictions don’t unduly hamper the free flow of information.
Some expression now unfree after Court’s ruling
Copyright decision taking works out of public domain undermines free speech and doesn’t encourage creativity, which is the purpose of copyright protection.
Why Wikipedia’s blackout sends the wrong message
In making the case against SOPA and for the free flow of information, speaking out beats blacking out, which could cause a backlash.
Loving free speech is easy, until we hate what somebody said
Three recent incidents involving speech suggest we need a refresher course on respecting one another’s First Amendment freedoms.
Anti-piracy legislation must balance copyright, freedom
The heart of the debate over proposed SOPA and PIPA bills comes down to honoring both principles — copyright protection and the free flow of information guaranteed by the First Amendment.
We don’t need state conductor for national anthem
Indiana legislator’s proposed fine for non-traditional renditions of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ would put government into questionable role of music dictator.
Deference to prison officials controls pen-pal ruling
11th Circuit panel follows Supreme Court standard that says prisons can restrict inmate expression if doing so is reasonably related to legitimate reasons, such as safety.
New BART cell policy nods in First Amendment’s direction
Transit system would allow phone service cutoff only in extraordinary circumstances involving risk to public safety.
Not many exceptions to free-speech guarantee
In contrast to what some have said, in America we have extraordinary latitude to say what we believe without fear of repression, making the U.S. a model for other nations.
How could court find U.S. flag T-shirt disruptive?
A more appropriate response by school officials would be to punish students who create disruptions, rather than those seeking to express themselves.
Cigarette makers have freedom not to speak
Federal judge’s ruling that government can’t mandate use of unsettling images on cigarette packages underscores the principle that free speech includes the right not to say anything at all.
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 | David L. Hudson Jr.
Judge was right to invalidate sex-offender Internet law
Too broad, too vague, federal judge says of Louisiana law restricting social-media use by former sex offenders.