Ronald Kahn is the James Monroe Professor of Politics and Law at Oberlin College. He is a specialist on constitutional law, legal theory, and judicial process. He has published a book and articles on constitutional theory and practice and teaches courses on constitutional law and theory, environmental law, urban politics, and political change in America.
More Articles from this Author
Government Funding and Free Speech
The Supreme Court has generally supported speech restrictions on government funding, even when those restrictions may have a chilling effect on First Amendment rights.
Internet
The Court faces challenges in dealing with regulation of online speech because of the internet's unique ability to spread information quickly and widely.
Judaism
The First Amendment gave Jews the opportunity to exercise their faith freely. Yet, they have still faced challenges from those who perceive America as a Christian nation.
Lee v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (1992)
In Lee v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (1991), the Supreme Court said the First Amendment prohibited a ban on leafleting in an airport.
Lehman v. City of Shaker Heights (1974)
Lehman v. City of Shaker Heights (1974) said that prohibiting political advertisements on public transportation does not violate a candidate’s First Amendment rights.
Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union (1997)
Reno v. ACLU (1997) said provisions of the Communications Decency Act that regulated Internet speech were too restrictive and violated the First Amendment.
Symbolic Speech
Symbolic speech consists of nonverbal, nonwritten forms of communication. It is generally protected by the First Amendment unless it causes a specific, direct threat.