Professor censors profanity on student free speech wall

A Sam Houston State University professor removed an insult to President Barack Obama posted by a student on the student free speech wall. Incensed by the censorship, students reported the vandalism to the campus police. Rather than come to the aid of the student in support of the First Amendment, the police threatened students with [...]

Minnesota: Supreme Court decision on Kansas funeral protesters helps animal rights demonstrators

Citing the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Synder v. Phelps on the free speech rights to protest at a funeral, a Minnesota state appeals court threw out the conviction of  two animal rights activists for disorderly conduct outside a fur store. The men had chanted loudly protesting the killing of animals. Noting that the [...]

Man with impeach Obama sign arrested at Alaska State Fair

Police arrested at man at the Alaska State Fair carrying a sign calling for the impeachment of President Barack Obama. The fair allows political messages if citizens rent a booth and follow vendor guidelines but forbid political activities in common areas. -db Anchorage Daily News August 28, 2010 By Kyle Hopkins Ten minutes of mayhem [...]

Pittsburgh: Federal jury to hear middle finger suit

In the heat of a parking dispute, an angry citizen raised his middle finger to a police officer and was cited for obscene gestures and vulgar language. The man is now suing for damages claiming his gestures and profanities were protected under the First Amendment.  -DB Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW September 7, 2009 By Brian Bowling A federal [...]

Gates case: Disorderly conduct or protected speech?

Concerning the arrest of the Harvard Professor Louis Gates, a commentator for Forbes Magazine says it is important to look beyond the racial and class issues to those of the First Amendment. Does loud and offensive necessarily constitute disorderly conduct? -DB Forbes Magazine Commentary July 28, 2009 By Harvey A. Silverglate The now-infamous Gates story has [...]