Supreme Court Rejects Appeal From Black Lives Matter Activist Over Protest Lawsuit
At an earlier stage of the case, the high court noted that the issue was “fraught with implications for First Amendment rights.”
Prosecutors Charging 80 Protesters Who Blocked Bay Area Bridge to Demand Cease-Fire
Protesters blocked bridge traffic into San Francisco and demanded that President Joe Biden call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
In Statehouses Across U.S., Varied Rules Restrict Public Voices
While acts of protest big and small are common in legislatures, states often have rules in place to limit disruptions to government proceedings, with authorities given wide latitude to remove people who jeer, chant or are otherwise seen to interrupt debates.
California Legislature Considers Law Limiting Protest Activity Near Vaccine Sites
If passed, SB742 would create a 100-foot buffer zone around vaccination clinics where individuals cannot “knowingly approach a person... for the purpose of obstructing, injuring, harassing, intimidating, or interfering with... that person in connection with any vaccination services.”
Anti-Abortion Group Loses First Amendment Case Against City of Detroit
On June 7th, a Michigan federal court dismissed a First Amendment challenge filed against the city of Detroit by a group of anti-abortion protesters. The case offers an interesting look at how courts balance public safety concerns against the right to protest.
Anti-Riot or Anti-Protest? Florida Governor Signs Contentious New Bill
On April 19th, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law H.B. 1, new legislation that includes a collection of amendments and additions to existing Florida statutes concerning criminal charges for violent protests. The legislation enhances penalties for people who commit crimes during a riot and gives the state the power to approve funding of local budgets, particularly in regards to funding law enforcement.
Authors Share Excerpts on Free Speech: Ian Rosenberg and The Marketplace of Ideas
In "The Fight for Free Speech," Ian Rosenberg distills the last century of First Amendment law into ten critical issues. The first chapter, excerpted here, traces the story of several anarchists who were tried under the Espionage Act of 1917 for distributing anti-war pamphlets.
Join First Amendment Watch for #FAWPublicForum, a Live Twitter Conversation
Join us for an online discussion on January 5 from 2-3 pm ET with Baltimore School of Law Professor Emeritus and author Garrett Epps who will answer questions about contemporary threats to people’s assembly rights.