Here is a list and synopsis of Supreme Court cases involving the 1st amendment. I was surprised at some of the cases. The interpretation of the amendment goes off in a tangent sometimes. For example when i think of "free speech" I only imagined protesters and people having the right to "SAY" what they feel without persecution. The amendment also carries a religion piece. So from politics to porn, censorship to Christ, here are a few cases i found interesting.
The hot topic is of course Snyder v. Phelps. "God Hates Fags" I am wondering if it gives the defendants more leniency to their cause because the call themselves a church?
Like the french Nazi i get a little drunk sometimes and run my mouth. Can i verbally insult someone in a public place. Not in 1942.
In politics:
Brown v. Hartlage(1982) While campaigning a politician made a promise to lower his salary if elected which under Kentucky state law was impossible. He was elected and respondents filed a suit seeking to void his election. It was found that under the 1st amendment the politician can express his ideas even if he can't legally follow through.
Buckley v. Valeo(1976) regards limiting campaign contributions. Does this 'limitation' limit the ability of a candidate to speak? It cost money to get your word out. The justices determined that limiting contributions protects our democracy from corruption and does not violate the 1st amendment.
Porn:
Stanley v. Georgia (1969) Oh yeah this case involved the ownership of 'obscene' materials. A law prohibiting the ownership of 'obscene' materials was ruled unconstitutional. i can only imagine how much trouble i would have been in if not for this ruling.
Censorship:
Island Tree School District Board of Education v. Pico(1982) The school banned some book from the library. Some kids had a problem with that. The Justices in only a 5 to 4 vote decided that the libraries have a special relationship with the rights of free speech and the book should not be removed simply because a group of people disagreed with the contents.
Jacobellis v. Ohio(1964) This guy was tried and convicted for showing a movie deemed obscene by the state of Ohio.
Cohen v. California (1971) This case ask the question of the use of the four letter word that starts with an 'F'. IF YOU SEEK A way to show you don't appreciate something you can wear a shirt that says F--k that.
Children:
Osborne v. Ohio(1990) I'd like to give a shot out to the arts blog. Child pornography is just wrong. Contrary to the Stanley case above owning this kind of obscene material is not covered under the free speech laws.
Religion:
Cantwell v. Connetticut Jehovah's Witnesses as annoying as they may be have the right to spread the word of their faith. Knock Knock!
This is the SPORTS blog so... Curtis Publishing Co. v. Butts
There are so many other cases that are interesting and I'd hope some of you would look into them yourselves. The Supreme court listens to those who seek protection from and those who push the limits of our 1st amendment. Times and the way we perceive what is good and bad change and the Court makes sure our laws change with it. It says a lot to be number one. Our fore fathers knew exactly what kind of society they revolted from and exactly what they did not want to be. First on the list was the ability to speak and worship as we please.
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