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First Amendment

San Francisco’s Anti-NRA Stunt Isn’t Just Misguided, It’s Unconstitutional

Punishing businesses that associate with the NRA is a form of unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.


The San Francisco Board of Supervisors stirred controversy after labeling the National Rifle Association a "domestic terrorist organization" in a resolution. That language is more tiresome and lame than it is actually dangerous. Law enforcement officers in San Francisco and elsewhere will just roll their eyes and focus on targeting actual terrorists.

Circuit Court Overturns Defunding of Student Newspaper

Defunding targeted satirical newspaper over content, court finds


In a victory for student press freedom, a Ninth Circuit appeals court found the University of California, San Diego's defunding of a satirical newspaper violated the constitutional rights protecting freedom of the press.

Supremes OK Cross Memorial

7-2 ruling shoots down atheist attempt to tear down WWI memorial


Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, said the suit should have been dismissed earlier given the lack of standing of the association and called on lower courts to dismiss "offended observer standing."

Court to Determine if Contact With Government Equates to Lobbying

Case of citizen activist could have significant First Amendment implications


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit is set to hear a case Friday in which a citizen activist who habitually walks the halls of the state capitol in Missouri to talk to elected lawmakers about political issues was later declared by a state ethics commission to be a lobbyist.

Supreme Court Denies Review to Football Coach Fired for Praying After Games

Alito: 'denial of certiorari does not signify that the Court necessarily agrees with the decision' of lower courts


The Supreme Court decided not to consider an appeal from a high school football coach who was fired for praying at the 50-yard line after games. Joseph Kennedy, who coached at Bremerton High School in Washington before being fired in 2015, argued his First Amendment rights had been violated by the school district.