Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Constitution: First Amendment Protections
This resource contains an annotated look at the different topics covered within the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Click on any subtopic link for in-depth information about that part of the First Amendment.
Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
Yad Vashem: Holocaust Denial Laws
The denial of the Holocaust, anti-Semitic rhetoric and the growth of hate groups has led many European nations to pass laws criminalizing hate speech to stop the resurrection of Nazism in Europe. This article discusses individual...
iCivics
I Civics: Persuasive Writing
In this library of mini-lessons, students will learn how to "argue on paper" or write persuasive essays using a fictional case about a school dress code rule against band t-shirts.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: First Amendment
Annenberg Classroom summary and text of the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. Links to relevant news articles, video, and timeline.
Boston College
Boston College: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
Full-text edition of the entire decision in the Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case.
Boston College
Boston College: Schenck v. United States
Read the decision of this landmark Supreme Court decision involving the 1917 Espionage Act Schenck v. United States (1919).
Boston College
Boston College: Dennis v. United States (1951)
Full syllabus and decision from the Dennis v. United States Supreme Court case.
Boston College
Boston College: Bigelow v. Virginia
Complete syllabus and decision on the Supreme Court case Bigelow v. Virginia (1975).
Boston College
Boston College: Branzburg v. Hayes
Full decision from the Branzburg v. Hayes United States Supreme Court case.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: The National Woman's Party
Students will examine documents to determine if the justice system was fair and Constitutional in its treatment of the National Women's Party picketers.
Boston College
Boston College: Freedom of Speech: Court Decisions: Roth v United States
Transcript of a Supreme Court decision, from 1957, in Roth v United States, a case that weighed constitutional freedoms of speech and the rights of individuals to own and distribute materials deemed by the government to be obscene.
Digital History
Digital History: A Bill of Rights? [Pdf]
There was no Bill of Rights attached to the original Constitution, but it was a topic of discussion. Read a reconstruction of speeches of delegates to the Constitutional Convention who debated for and against the inclusion of a way to...
University of California
Ucla: Freedom of Speech vs. Workplace Harassment Law
This site contains excerpts from public law review articles relating to the issues of freedom of speech and workplace harassment.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Government Regulation of Commercial Speech
Explore the issue of commercial speech -- think Joe Camel, the Marlboro Man -- which is speech that proposes an economic transaction. Is it covered by the First Amendment?
Savvas Learning
Changing Views of Free Speech
An easy to follow flow chart that shows how the idea of freedom of speech has changed throughout the years. Make sure to click on each box of information to get a more in depth description.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Democracy for Kids: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Scholastic offers a series of printable panels and classroom activities in PDF format that focus on a U.S. citizen's right to express his- or herself. Content focuses on the Bill of Rights and its provisions for freedom of religion,...
Penguin Publishing
Penguin Random House: "Censorship: An Educator's Guide"
Activities, writing prompts, points of discussion and some additional resources are offered here to help with teaching about free speech and censorship.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Schenck v. United States
This encyclopedia entry summarizes the landmark Supreme Court case of Schenck v. United States, which pitted the right of free speech against the 1917 Espionage Act.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Defamation
Learn what defamation is, and explore the legal differences between slander and libel. Other concepts include "false light" and "absolute privilege." Also looks at legal defenses used and defamation laws in other countries.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How to Turn Protest Into Powerful Change
We live in an age of protest. On campuses, in public squares, on streets and social media, protestors around the world are challenging the status quo. But while protest is often necessary, is it sufficient? Eric Liu outlines three...
Northern Illinois University
Ishs: The Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917 and 1918 [Pdf]
From the 1994 spring volume of the Illinois Historical Journal comes this interesting and somewhat shocking account of how those who did not agree with the U.S. involvement in World War I were treated. Read how the basic right of freedom...
Other
Office of Public Sector Information: Human Rights Act 1998
The Human Rights Act 1998 is published online including an interactive contents list, allowing you to go straight to particular sections.
Other
Society of Professional Journalists: Code of Ethics
The complete text of the Code of Ethics by the Society of Professional Journalists.
Other
Union of Journalists: Memorandum on Digital Manipulation
This is an article offering possible guidelines (and marking techniques) to avoid the unethical alteration of photos through digital manipulation or tampering.