1 st Amendment Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression  Freedom to express personal opinions is essential to a democracy Freedom of speech Freedom of petition Freedom of press Freedom of assembly

Protection to freedom of expression  Promote individual growth  Is important for the advancement of knowledge  Necessary part of our representative government  Vital to bringing about peaceful social change  Essential for the protection of all individual rights

Seditious libel  1600’s = A crime to publish anything that might be injurious to the reputation of government  Could not: Defame or ridicule  Officers of government  The constitution  Laws  Government policies  Sedition Act of 1798  During the Civil War  WWII – black lists  Patriot Act???

Restrictions “Liberty is not license to do anything one pleases”  No unfairly discrimination Cannot single our people  Time, place and manner When where, and how expression occurs – One cannot endanger the public’s safety or national security  Cannot be vague Regulations must be clear

 Clear and present danger Prohibiting speech or writings that will endanger others  “Least restrictive means” Regulations must be narrow to solve specific problem  Libel Ruining somebody’s reputation by “knowingly” spreading lies about them