Free Speech, Media and the First Amdenment
Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)
Decision that the Ohio Criminal Syndicalism Statute ignored protected free speech, whether or not the advocacy it criminalized actually led to imminent lawless action, violating of the Constitution.
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Decision that struck down state laws prohibiting the desecration of the American flag.
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
Decision that the First Amendment protects publications, like the NYT, of all statements, even false ones, about the conduct of public officials, except when statements are made with actual malice
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Decision that prior speech restraint of a publication, like the NYT, is unconstitutional. Justice Black wrote, "Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government..." referring, in this case, to the Nixon administration.
Miller vs. California (1973)
Decision that obscene materials are not protected by the First Amendment, but the definition of "obscene material" is lessened.
Frontline offers an overview, and
history of past pornography rulings of this
and other related cases in the United States
history of past pornography rulings of this
and other related cases in the United States
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Prohibition of clothing as a symbolic protest in public schools, such as armbands, violates students' freedom of speech protections guaranteed by the first amendment.
Mutual Film Corp. v. Industrial Commission of Ohio (1915)
Free speech protection of the Ohio Constitution, which is substantially similar to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, does not extend to motion pictures.