Category
Unprotected Speech
covid-19 masks

Court: Not Wearing a Mask During COVID-19 Emergency Isn’t a Free Speech Right

The court found that refusing to wear a mask during a public health emergency didn’t amount to free speech protected by the Constitution.

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FBI headquarters building is seen in Washington

White Couple Who Burned a Cross in Yard Facing Black Neighbors Investigated by FBI

In 2003 the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment allows bans on cross burnings only when they are intended to intimidate.

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Supreme Court

Supreme Court Considers ‘True Threats’ Doctrine in Colorado Social Media Stalking Case

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 19 in Counterman v. Colorado, a case that questions whether intent is necessary to constitute a “true threat” — a category of speech that is unprotected by the First Amendment.

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Former assistant varsity football coach Joe Kennedy sits in the stands of the Bremerton High School football field.

Supreme Court Backs Praying Football Coach in First Amendment Case

In a long awaited and highly anticipated ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and ruled 6-3 in favor of assistant high school football coach Joe Kennedy who took a knee to pray at midfield at the end of games.

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Texas Appeals Court Rejects Alex Jones’ Motion to Dismiss Heslin Defamation Suit

The judge has ordered Jones to pay Heslin $22,250 in attorney fees, making the total amount Jones now owes Neil Heslin just under $150,000.

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Parkland

Man Who “Trolled” Parkland Shooting Victims’ Families Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Fleury’s lawyers tried to dismiss the case ahead of his trial in October 2019, arguing that his comments, though noxious, were protected under the First Amendment. But U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz rejected their motion, writing that Fleury’s expression fell under a category of unprotected speech called true threats.

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