Freedom of speech

In this unit we discussed how the Constitution protects the concept of free government. What does this mean exactly? Use Westlaw to research and read at least six cases in which the U.S. Supreme Court considered whether a person had been unlawfully prosecuted based on a law that violated the First Amendment. Your cases should relate to at least three of the First Amendment exceptions (obscenity, child pornography, fighting words, threats, incitement to immediate unlawful action). Your research can include cases cited in the body or footnotes of your text.

Based upon your research, write a five to seven page paper, with appropriate references, analyzing how and why the framers of the First Amendment intended to protect freedom of speech and where the limits on that protection extend today. Be sure to discuss each researched case in your paper, specifically explaining the facts of each case, what happened to the person asserting a First Amendment right, and the detailed legal reason for the Supreme Court’s ultimate ruling in his or her case. Your paper should discuss the Supreme Court’s basis and rationale for establishing each of the exceptions.

Your paper should be 3 pages long, double-spaced in 10-12 point font (Arial, Courier, and Times New Roman are acceptable).