Latest First Amendment News
Free-speech news from the First Amendment Center online.
Anti-Hillary dispute to be re-heard
Justices want lawyers to address whether Court should overturn rulings limiting corporate, union election donations.
Defendant's tattoos could be used as evidence, Texas court finds
By David L. Hudson Jr. Appeals judges rule that allowing references to Michael Wood's 'Lying Eyes' tattoos during closing arguments didn't violate First Amendment.
University clears professor who made Holocaust-Gaza comparison
UC-Santa Barbara ends probe of William Robinson, who sent e-mail to class criticizing Israel's treatment of Palestinians, after panel finds no 'probable cause to undertake disciplinary action.'
Federal court upholds Ohio 'no-touch' strip-club law
Judge says statute that bans exotic dancers from touching patrons or each other does not violate First Amendment or other constitutional rights of business owners.
Court blocks Colo. amendment limiting campaign donations
State judge rules new constitutional amendment, which bans some government contractors and all public unions from making political contributions, violates unions' free speech.
Blogger arraigned on charge of inciting attack on Conn. lawmakers
Authorities also release arrest-warrant affidavit for Harold Turner, who is accused of encouraging violence against state officials in blog post.
Wash. teacher learns what happens online doesn't always stay there
By David L. Hudson Jr. 9th Circuit rejects Tara Richerson's claim that school officials unconstitutionally transferred her in retaliation for statements made on her personal blog.
Mont. city drops request for job seekers' Internet passwords
Bozeman officials abruptly suspend bid to access job hopefuls' social-networking, other Web accounts after receiving flood of criticism.
Calif. cities lose bid to limit military recruiting
Federal judge strikes down ordinances in Arcata and Eureka that barred Armed Forces recruiters from contacting people under 18.
Minn. appeals court rejects ex-state worker's retaliation claim
By David L. Hudson Jr. Upholding lower court decision, judges find Douglas Crosby failed to show connection between his speech and any adverse actions on his job.
Free-speech suit against religious college dismissed
Former Regent University law student had sued after he was suspended for posting a picture online of school founder Pat Robertson making what appeared to be an obscene gesture.
Pundits should be judged in court of public opinion
By Gene Policinski First Amendment protects advocacy, even when ideas being discussed are disliked, unpopular or even repugnant.
Ruling: Being honked off doesn't give right to honk
Washington judge finds woman didn't have free-speech right to express her anger at neighbor by leaning on her car horn at 6 a.m.
Ariz. homeowners battle association over gay-pride flag
Steven and Zeniff Vanderran say homophobia and ongoing disputes with neighborhood group are behind order to remove flag from their home.
Blogger accused of inciting attack on Conn. lawmakers
Authorities say they'll charge former radio talk-show host with inciting injury to persons or property for urging blog readers to 'take up arms' against two legislators.
Minn. regulators drop bid to block online-gambling sites
Officials say they'll withdraw demand that ISPs block access to hundreds of sites; in exchange, industry group files court papers ending its legal fight.
5th Circuit: Inmate's vulgar note not protected speech
Three-judge panel finds Texas prison officials were within their authority when they punished George Morgan for sending offensive message on toilet paper to prosecutor.
High court takes case involving bankruptcy advice
By Tony Mauro Law firm challenging consumer-protection law that restricts attorneys' ability to advise clients to incur more debt before filing for bankruptcy.
High court won't hear challenge to 'don't ask, don't tell'
Justices refuse to review 1st Circuit ruling dismissing veterans' claim that policy denies gays' constitutional rights to privacy, free speech and equal protection.
Landmark case set precedent on advocating force
By David L. Hudson Jr. Brandenburg test provides much First Amendment protection for speech that challenges existing government and law.
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."
