At North Shore Senior Center, Nielsen Campus
Our Basic Freedoms:
Freedom of Speech & The Press
Joyce Haworth, Instructor, College of Lake County
Restrictions on the use of language have been with mankind for millennia. Athenians who spoke "actionable words" found themselves subject to punishment. Centuries later, in England, the Common Law included impermissible speech. While the First Amendment to our Constitution protects freedom of speech, this right is not absolute. Numerous decisions of the Supreme Court have established limits to what can be spoken and what can be
written. Over three sessions, Melvin Merzon will discuss important decisions of the 20th century regarding these limits to speech, including the right to distribute flyers to the public urging resistance to US participation in WWI,
the right to publish humiliating comments about prominent Americans, the right to purposely and publicly wear a garment imprinted with obscene language, publishing false information charging criminal behavior about another person, and other fascinating decisions.
Registration is recommened. Walk-ins are welcome. Call or visit NSSC today!
Thursday, 2/7, 1 pm - 2:30pm
$9 member; $11 non-member
