First Amendment Law

Catalog description

This course will provide an intensive examination of the First Amendment's free speech and religion clauses. The freedom of speech aspect of the course will consider the various theoretical underpinnings for affording protection to expression and will explore how the protections afforded speech vary depending on (1) the kind of speech regulated, (2) the location where the speech occurs, and (3) the nature of the regulation at issue. The religion aspect of the course will consider the different doctrinal approaches to enforcing the free exercise clause and explore the limitations on government action imposed by the establishment clause. Course readings will include a case book and additional readings provided by the instructor.