LAW3 634 - Constitutional Law II: Freedom of Speech and Press

This course offers an intensive, albeit introductory, study of First Amendment law relating to freedom of speech and press (and corollary freedoms, such as freedom of political association). In addition to learning about and discussing a variety of theoretical/philosophical perspectives, we will study the many specific First Amendment doctrines that have developed since the Court became active in the area during and after World War I, starting with the clear and present danger test relating to seditious speech and proceeding on to such topics as defamation, commercial speech, “low value” speech, obscenity, child pornography, and hate speech. We will study the gamut of First Amendment methodologies such as overbreadth, vagueness, the rule against prior restraints, and the prohibition on content regulation. We will also study a variety of context-specific issues, such as campaign finance regulation, access to the public forum, and broadcasting.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: Constitutional Law.

Credits: 3