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What is the Meaning of Free Speech?

Benjamin Franklin once said “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom – and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.” The United States provides protections for free speech. Not only is actual speech protected, but so too is “expressive behavior” such as spending money on elections, burning a flag, and even nude dancing. Yet it has not always been this way. A “fluid concept” until the early twentieth century, it’s only been since the time of World War I that the First Amendment’s Free Speech Clause was reviewed in depth by American courts. Through an exploration of case law, participants will consider how the U.S. Supreme Court has defined and redefined what free speech means, whether in wartime or peacetime and in many controversial contexts.

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Ian Drake, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science and Jurisprudence at Montclair State University
PROGRAMS BY THIS SCHOLAR

  • What is the Meaning of Free Speech?
  • What’s the Verdict?
  • Do Animals Have Rights?

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  • ABOUT
    ▼
    • Mission
    • Impact
    • Staff and Interns
    • Board
    • Katz Prize
    • Strategic Plan
    • Job Openings
    • Accessibility
  • EVENTS
    ▼
    • 50th Monthly Events
    • 50th Anniversary Gala
    • Events Calendar
  • GRANTS
    ▼
    • Grants Overview
    • Funded Projects
    • For Grantees
  • PROGRAMS
    ▼
    • Clemente Course in the Humanities
    • Community Conversations
    • Community History
    • In the Weeds
    • Informed NJ
    • Museum on Main Street
    • Sponsorships
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
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