1. The First Amendment Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Petition
Freedom of Assembly
The 5
Basic
Freedoms

2. The 1st Amendment Part of the Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments
These freedoms are NOT absolute!
Written to ensure a limited government

3. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
Establishment Clause
prohibit an establishment of religion by the government
Free exercise
prohibits the interference by government in the exercise of religion

4. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
Non-Religious education
New Jersey School Bus Case
Public school buses can bus parochial school children as a matter of safety
Released Time
allow public schools to release students for school time to attend religious classes
allowed only if classes are held off public property

5. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
No prayer in schools (even if voluntary)
unless student led
NO school participation
Must allow religious groups just as it allows other student organizations
Schools that teach evolution do not have to teach creationism

6. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
Free Exercise Clause does NOT give someone the right to violate criminal laws
Polygamy, Snakes, Sacrifices
Cities can display religious Christmas symbols IF there were some non-religious symbols as well.

7. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech & Press
Give people the right to have their say and to hear what others have to say.
Intended to protect the expression of unpopular views.

8. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech & Press
Some forms are not protected
Libel - false and malicious use of printed words
Slander - false and malicious use of spoken words

9. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech & Press
Prior Restraint
in MOST cases the govt.. cannot curb ideas before they are expressed.
School officials have the right to censor newspapers
Military information, CIA information….

10. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech & Press
Symbolic Speech
non-verbal forms of speech
picketing by strikers is ok
wearing a black arm band as a political protest is ok
burning the American Flag is ok
burning draft cards is NOT ok

11. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech & Press
Commercial Speech -speech for business purposes
can advertise services such as abortion
can advertise drug prices, liquor prices
cannot advertise false or misleading ads
Congress banned cigarette ads on radio and TV (industry did not challenge this)

12. The 1st Amendment Freedom of Petition & Assembly
Time, Place, Manner Regulation
Cannot trespass on private property
Freedom of Association
can associate with others to promote certain ideas