Free Speech: What Does it Mean Today?

What can you say, and where is the line drawn? This course will explore the legal foundations of Free Speech in the United States, from the First Amendment’s origins to the ways courts interpret it today. We’ll examine landmark cases, current controversies, and the emerging legal battles that could reshape the conversation in years to come. We’ll be joined via Zoom by a very special guest, Mary Beth Tinker, whose free speech activities as a student led to the seminal 1969 Supreme Court decision Tinker v. Des Moines. Whether it’s political protest, social media speech, or controversial art, we’ll discuss how the law navigates the tension between liberty and limits. Join us for a timely, lively, and important discussion of one of the most fundamental principles of our democracy.