ACS Presents: First Things First: A Discussion on the First Amendment & the Rule of Law

The rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are essential for the proper functioning of a responsive democracy. Too frequently, the First Amendment’s core freedoms are ignored or weaponized to suit the political and policy priorities of those in power. The U.S. Supreme Court inconsistently applies longstanding First Amendment jurisprudence, ignoring precedents they deem inconvenient. The Administration targets those whose speech it disfavors, from law firms to private individuals. State and local governments are quick to criminalize protected protest activity to stifle dissent and chill social movements. These actions raise important questions as to whether our legal and political systems can safeguard First Amendment rights for all, or whether skewed and selective application of these freedoms will become the norm. 

Join us in room 5042 on Monday, March 2nd at 12:00PM for a discussion on recent challenges to the First Amendment from our courts, the presidency, and through the media with Professors Mary-Rose Papandrea, Micheal Gerhardt, and David Ardia, moderated by Professor Bill Marshall.