First Amendment

Read the latest news stories on first amendment rights on Newser.com

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Prisoners Sue Over Religious Book Limits

In the wake of post-9/11 crackdown, First Amendment concerns arise

(Newser) - The removal of  hundreds of thousands of  religious books  from federal prison libraries is drawing fire—not just from inmates, but from chaplains and other religious leaders. In the wake of 9/11, the Bureau of Prisons issued an approved list of religious books for institutions it controls, the Times reports,...

Letting It All Hang Out? Bill Would Put It All Back In

Atlanta proposal calls saggy pants "major concern;" ACLU claims "racial profiling"

(Newser) - Young men will want to hike up their sagging pants, and women cover up bra straps and exposed thongs if Atlanta’s City Council adopts a proposal to amend the city’s indecency laws, the Journal-Constitution reports. The measure, which would fine violators for exposing boxer shorts, thongs and bras,...

How to Shut Protesters Up: A White House Guidebook

ACLU lawsuit forces release of manual

(Newser) - A lawsuit sparked by two protesters wearing anti-Bush T-shirts has forced the White House to reveal its guidebook on dealing with dissenters, the Washington Post reports. The manual calls for a "protest area" separate from event sites and roaming "rally squads" to drown out demonstrators who infiltrate the...

Feds to Porn Stars: What's Your Sign?

DoJ wants records of birthdates to keep minors out of skin flicks

(Newser) - The Justice Department wants to catalog America's porn collection, but not for the reason you might think—the feds say they're making sure minors aren't finding their way onto adult-film sets. The anti-exploitation move would require producers to turn over actors' real names, stage names, and birthdates, the New York ...

Food Critic Grilled Over Steak Review

Steamed chef may force Philly writer to reveal identity in court

(Newser) - A miffed chef is suing the restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer after he reviewed a $15 slab of steak as "miserably tough and fatty." But the suit could be even more of a raw deal than expected for writer Craig LaBan, who was ordered to give a...

Supremes Let Up on Political Ad Limits

in 5-4 reversal, court rules 'issue ads' don't count as endorsements

(Newser) - Conservatives on the Supreme Court weakened one of the major strictures of the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Law today, relaxing the definition of prohibited ads in the run-up to federal elections. An increasingly familiar 5-4 majority declared that "issue ads," which stump for political platforms without explicitly endorsing a...

Court Limits Student Speech
Court Limits Student Speech
Jun 25, 2007 10:41 AM CDT

Court Limits Student Speech

High Court decides 'Bong Hits 4 Jesus' case in favor of buzz-kill principal

(Newser) - Schools may limit student speech that advocates criminal activity, even off campus, the Supreme Court ruled today. The case centers on a banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" displayed across the street from a school; writing for the 5-4 majority, Chief Justice Roberts said the school principal's understanding of...

Pacino, Ono Push for Dead Celeb Bill

NY law would bar unauthorized bobble heads for 70 years

(Newser) - Actor Al Pacino and Yoko Ono are lobbying the New York legislature to make it a misdemeanor to merchandise unauthorized images of dead celebrities for up to 70 years after their death. The use of sound recordings, or faces and names on anything from T-shirts to bobble heads would require...

NCAA Ejects Louisville Blogger
NCAA Ejects
Louisville Blogger
Jun 12, 2007 4:22 AM CDT

NCAA Ejects Louisville Blogger

Reporter violated policy against live coverage at college semifinals

(Newser) - The NCAA ejected a reporter for Louisville's Courier-Journal for blogging during the fifth inning of Louisville's semifinal romp over Oklahoma State, 20-2. The association forbids live Internet updates of games from those in attendance. The newspaper, citing First Amendment rights, is considering legal action.

Bong Case 4 SCOTUS
Bong Case
4 SCOTUS
Mar 20, 2007 10:51 AM CDT

Bong Case 4 SCOTUS

A Supreme Court case weighs student's right to "glorify" drug use

(Newser) - A student glorifying illegal drug use shouldn't be protected by the First Amendment, Ken Starr argued before the Supreme Court yesterday in the case of a high school student suspended for displaying a banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" during the Winter Olympics Torch Relay in Juneau, Alaska in...

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