Timothy J. O’Neill, Ph.D., is professor emeritus at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. He is the author of several articles on the First Amendment, concentrating on religious liberty and church-state relations. He also taught constitutional liberty courses for 40 years.
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Abrams v. United States (1919)
In Abrams v. U.S., the Supreme Court in 1919 upheld the convictions of several individuals under the 1918 Sedition Act for distributing leaflets opposed to U.S. intervention in the Russian civil war involving the Bolsheviks.
Absolutists
Absolutists believe that the First Amendment means that state and federal governments may pass no laws abridging the rights of religion, speech, press or association.
Edwards v. Aguillard (1987)
Edwards v. Aguillard (1987) said a state law mandating teaching “creation science” alongside evolution in public school violated the First Amendment's establishment clause.
Faith-based Organizations and Government
The recent expansion of government funding for faith-based social programs has sparked concerns about the assistance from a First Amendment standpoint.
McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003)
McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003) upheld major provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, rejecting claims that the act stifled First Amendment rights.
Paris Adult Theatre I v. Slaton (1973)
The Supreme Court ruled in Paris Adult Theatre I v. Slaton (1973) that there is no First Amendment right to show obscene films, even to consenting adults.
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002)
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002) said an ordinance making it a misdemeanor to canvass door-to-door without a permit violated the First Amendment.
Zorach v. Clauson (1952)
Zorach v. Clauson (1952) said the released time policy of New York violated neither the free exercise nor establishment clause of the First Amendment.