Ruth Ann Strickland is a former professor of government and justice studies at Appalachian State University where she taught for 25 years and was a prolific scholar. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science from the University of South Carolina.
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Alcohol Advertising
Alcohol advertising is protected under the First Amendment as long as it does not promote unlawful activity and is not misleading, but it can be regulated.
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (2002)
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) regulated campaign finances and electioneering communications. Such rules may be challenged if they limit freedom of speech and press.
Breach of Peace Laws
Breach-of-the-peace laws typically cover conduct that is disorderly and disturbs the peace of a community. Most states have such laws criminalizing certain speech and conduct.
Cameras in the Courtroom
Allowing cameras in courtrooms has stirred controversy and led to Supreme Court decisions in First Amendment cases. The Court has allowed states to experiment with this issue.
Frisby v. Schultz (1988)
Frisby v. Schultz (1988) upheld a city ordinance banning picketing in neighborhoods. Dissenting justices said the law suppressed First Amendment-protected speech.
Gag Orders
Gag orders on trial participants are often used to ensure fair trials. Gag orders on the press must meet high standards set by the courts to avoid prior restraint.
Hair Length and Style
Hair regulations in schools, prisons and workplaces have led to First Amendment battles, with litigants challenging policies for violating individuals’ rights.
Indecency and the Electronic Media
The FCC defines indecency in the broadcast industries and regulates the content of television and radio broadcasts to prevent the airing of inappropriate material.
Narrowly Tailored Laws
The term "narrowly tailored" refers to laws regulating First Amendment rights. These must be written to place as few restrictions as possible on First Amendment liberties.
Pandering
Pandering, when distributors or booksellers merchandise works in salacious terms, is a First Amendment issue because of laws that ban mailing obscene materials.
Perjury
Perjury is not protected by the First Amendment because it undermines the ability of courts to obtain truthful testimony and to effectively administer justice.
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 significantly altered federal communications policy. Parts of the Act have been struck down for violating the First Amendment.
Whistleblowers
The First Amendment-related issue of whistleblowing, exposing illegal conduct that violates norms of accountability, has been protected by federal and state law.