Latest First Amendment News
Free-speech news from the First Amendment Center online.
Curses! Blasphemy, profanity laws still on the books
By David L. Hudson Jr. Some states still enforce codes against cursing, swearing in public.
Pelosi, Hoyer: Health-care protesters' behavior 'un-American'
White House spokesman doesn't directly respond to top House Democrats' comments, saying instead that 'spirited debate' is 'part of the American tradition.'
Reach of online speech raises new issues of freedom
By Gene Policinski The challenge ahead is to limit the limits, not just restrain the speech.
Calif. bans displaying nooses as threats
Governor signs measure that outlaws hanging symbol on someone else's property or at school or workplace with intent of 'terrorizing' others.
Federal jury awards $5K to Pa. council critic
Jurors side with man who claimed Erie County official violated his free-speech rights by having him escorted from meeting after he criticized council.
Ala. alcohol board bans wine with nude label
Board attorney says stylized, art-nouveau rendition of naked female with flying bicycle violates state rules against displaying 'person posed in an immoral or sensuous manner.'
Senate panel OKs expanded whistleblower protections
White House calls vote by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 'a bipartisan breakthrough for whistleblower rights.'
Deputy learns Mom was wrong, words can hurt you
By David L. Hudson Jr. 7th Circuit agrees Wisconsin sheriff's retaliation against Michael Schuh may have been 'childish,' but it was legal.
Pa. Supreme Court upholds state prisons' porn ban
Justices find sex offender's 'self-serving' arguments failed to refute corrections department's reasons for keeping sexually explicit materials away from inmates.
D.C. Circuit expands federal lawmakers' legal protection
Judges conclude in case involving former Rep. Tom Feeney that statements lawmakers make during congressional ethics investigations can't be used against them in criminal actions.
Supermax inmate denied access to Obama books
Prison officials say passages in two books written by president contain information that could damage national security.
Nev. high court OKs 'HOE' license plate
DMV had tried to cancel man's tag on grounds that online Urban Dictionary defines word as slang for 'whore,' but justices say site's entries don't 'always reflect generally accepted definitions for words.'
Little people call for FCC to ban 'midget'
Leaders say the word, which was prominently featured in April episode of NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice,' is as offensive as racial slurs.
U. of Colo. professor loses bid to reclaim job
Denver district judge vacates jury's decision that found firing of Ward Churchill was politically motivated.
Texas court strikes down parts of telephone-harassment law
By David L. Hudson Jr. Appeals court reasons that vague language of law could put much First Amendment-protected speech off limits.
Federal judge blocks Kan. ban on sexy billboards
Spokeswoman says attorney general's office is deciding how to proceed given that nearly identical laws in three other states have been struck down.
Delay in 'Hillary' case scares campaign reformists
By Tony Mauro Others would welcome allowing corporations to contribute directly to campaigns. Plus Souter symposium
Federal court puts Pa. ethics panel's gag rule on hold
Judge grants preliminary injunction, saying, 'Infringement upon an individual's First Amendment rights, for even abbreviated periods of time, constitutes irreparable injury.'
Senate confirms 2 for FCC
Lawmakers OK Julius Genachowski as head of commission and Robert McDowell for a second term.
Court won't decide privacy of Rx pads
New Hampshire law keeping doctors' prescription-writing history confidential can remain in place.
Icon of Freedom
M. Jamal Fields
National Leadership Fellow
A principal in Modesto, California, Jamal Fields is a National Leadership Fellow with the Five Freedoms Project. His ideal school is a place where "kids and adults are on a journey of discovery together. Students, staff and families are actively engaged in the practice of democracy every day. Students engage in important work that is meaningful and productive toward making a better society. And the school is fluid in the content it addresses but consistent in teaching the big ideas of citizenship in a democratic society."
