News, commentary, analysis and other information on the First Amendment — the cornerstone of democracy, the amendment that keeps us free. Note: The New York office of the First Amendment Center is closed. First Amendment Center activities continue at the Nashville and Arlington offices.
High court turns away dispute over judicial campaign ads
Justices pass up chance to consider when candidates or groups can be stopped from running ads just before an election.
10.21.02
Kansas judge: Reporter's notes are protected
Wyandotte County district judge cites First Amendment, state law in refusing to force Kansas City Kansan journalist to turn over records.
10.21.02
Advocates try to stem slippage in Florida's open-records commitment
First Amendment supporters, worried by proliferating exemptions to state's open-government laws, hope November ballot measure will pass.
10.21.02
Pennsylvania township drops campaign-sign fee
Agreement ends dispute between Harborcreek Township and Green Party congressional candidate AnnDrea Benson over $50 permit for campaign signs.
10.21.02
Roadside crosses: using public property to endorse religion?
Laws about memorials honoring those killed in car crashes vary by state; a Colorado display ends up in court.
10.21.02
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A constitutional clash: free speech, copyrights and Mickey Mouse
By Ken Paulson In a society immersed in popular culture, copyrighted materials should be fair game for discussion, exploration and teaching.
10.20.02
Taking the 'citizen' out of citizen initiatives
Analysis In some states, activists say special interests, millionaires are hijacking the process; in other states, legislators are erecting ever-higher hurdles for signature-gatherers.
10.15.02
In climate of fear, people are being punished for speaking out
By Charles Haynes At the very moment in our history when we most need the 'marketplace of ideas' created by the First Amendment, far too many Americans seem eager to shut down the debate.
10.13.02
Showdown between copyright, First Amendment turns into sideshow
Analysis Oral arguments before high court instead focus on whether Congress overstepped its authority in passing 20-year copyright extension.
10.10.02
The upside of offending: free speech and 'healthy conversations'
By Ken Paulson 'Barbershop' controversy shows that the right to offend is the liberty to challenge the status quo.
10.06.02
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Page last updated: 10/22/2002 4:01:54 AM
