When we think of the First Amendment, we tend to believe that it allows us to say whatever we want, often without any repercussions. But what does it actually protect, and from whom? Floyd Abrams represented The New York Times in the 1971 Pentagon Papers case, and is author of the new book The Soul of the First Amendment. He explains to Jason how the First Amendment actually protects us, what it DOESN’T protect us from, and why some areas aren’t as protected as others.
In a day and age where a negative review posted on Yelp! can lead to lawsuits, it’s vital that you understand what speech can come back to haunt you.
Key Takeaways:
[3:23] Floyd’s background and some of the landmark cases he’s been a part of like the Pentagon Papers
[7:25] The First Amendment and college campus free speech issues
[9:10] Areas of our society we don’t realize are government controlled and subject to different free speech rules
[11:45] The broadcast medium is nearing the free speech protections as print media
[16:17] The First Amendment and “fake news”
[21:03] The First Amendment and the internet users getting sued for comments/reviews/etc
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