Berkeley Braces For Fallout Over Conservative Firebrand Speakers

UC Berkeley has stated repeatedly its support of free speech including hate speech. As a result, the city has reeled from protests which have led to fires, fireworks, and fights. Thursday another controversial speaker - ex-Breitbart editor Ben Shapiro - is visiting and police are asking to brace themselves with pepper spray to protect everyone's First Amendment rights.

Wyoming “Ag-Gag” Law Struck Down

Many states have tried to put "ag gag" laws in place. Wyoming's is the latest to fall before the courts free speech arguments.

Hate Speech: Freedom to Express the “Thought That We Hate”

Is offensive speech, and especially hate speech, protected by the First Amendment? Some protesters use profane and scurrilous language to make their point. Others like the neo-Nazis and other white […]

Prior Restraint: Strong Protection Against Government Censorship

Prior restraints go at least as far back as 16th century England, when invention of the printing press made it possible to spread dissent and new ideas widely. Such publications […]

Did San Francisco Silence Hate Speech or Trample Freedom of Speech?

When Joey Gibson, head of Patriot Prayer, applied to hold a rally in San Francisco in an area designated by the National Park Service for "First Amendment activities," he thought he had the Constitution on his side. However, fearing a repeat of what happened in the deadly Charlottesville confrontations, San Francisco officials moved to protect the city from violence in what Gibson now says stifled his freedom of speech.

President Trump’s Anti-Press Pulpit

President Trump used strong language to denounce the press at a Phoenix rally this week. The Vice President, once a free speech advocate, stood by him. Many journalists now fear that words may lead to violence against the press.

Aggressive Online Response to Hate Speech and Extremists Post-Charlottesville

In the aftermath of the deadly protests in Charlottesville, many are asking when is hate speech protected and when does it cross the line? GoDaddy, Google and Twitter account "Yes, You're Racist" are redefining the reach of extremist views.

Associated Press Bans Alt-Right Terminology In Midst of Usage Debate

What exactly are "alt-right," "alt-left,"antifa," and other groups and what are responsible ways to report on extremist groups?