Is a public school that refuses to let a religious club use its facilities violating the Free Speech Clause of the Constitution? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2001.
Greater New Orleans Broadcasting v. United States (1999)
Does a federal law banning media ads of lawful private casino gaming violate commercial free-speech rights? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 1999.
Hill v. Colorado (2000)
Does a Colorado statute requiring speakers to obtain consent from people within 100 feet of a health care facility entrance before speaking violate the First Amendment rights of the speaker? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2000.
LAPD v. United Reporting Publishing (1999)
Is a company’s selling of information to their clients commercial speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 1999.
Lorillard Tobacco v. Reilly (2001)
Do Massachusetts tobacco restrictions on advertising violate the First Amendment rights of tobacco advertisers? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2001.
Morse v. Frederick (2007)
Does the First Amendment allow public schools to prohibit students from displaying pro-drug messages during a school-supervised event? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2007.
A Conversation on Freedom of Speech
Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Anthony M. Kennedy and Sandra Day O’Connor and students discuss the First Amendment’s right to free speech, and in particular students’ free speech rights in the Supreme Court cases Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District and Morse v. Frederick. In the Tinker case, students wore black armbands to school in silent protest of the Vietnam War. In the Morse case, a student held up a sign that said “Bong HITS 4 Jesus” at a parade.
The Pursuit of Justice
The Pursuit of Justice book, written by Kermit L. Hall and John J. Patrick, analyzes 30 Supreme Court cases chosen by a group of Supreme Court justices and leading civics educators as the most important for American citizens to understand. An additional 100 significant cases included in state history and civics standards are summarized. The complete book or individuals chapters can be downloaded.
Nike v. Kasky (2003)
Are statements issued by a Nike, Inc. considered commercial speech or protected speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
Randall v. Sorrell (2006)
Do Vermont’s limits on campaign contributions and spending violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.