MORE ARTICLES FROM ‘Speech Commentary’
2nd Circuit ruling is a win for legal specialists, public
New York rule requiring onerous disclaimers on attorneys’ ads could confuse public into believing certified specialists were no more qualified than other lawyers, panel says.
A big sign of victory
Jim Roos’ large mural protesting St. Louis’ use of eminent domain can stay put after Supreme Court leaves in place a ruling that found city’s sign law played favorites.
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.
Note: We cannot provide legal advice.
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 | Ken Paulson
Here’s what a real attack on Internet freedom looks like
Sure, SOPA and PIPA were overbroad efforts to stop piracy; but in the wake of terrorist murders, France now says it will punish anyone who browses hateful websites.