The First Amendment- Freedom of Speech and Assembly Flashcards
Content-based restrictions on speech generally must meet what test?
Strict Scrutiny
What are the two types of content based laws?
- subject matter restrictions (application of the law depends on the topic of the message)
- viewpoint restrictions (application of the law depends on the ideology of the message)
Content-neutral laws burdening speech generally need to meet what test?
intermediate scrutiny
What is a prior restraint?
judicial order by administrative system that stops speech before it occurs.
Court orders suppressing speech must meet what test?
strict scrutiny
Must procedurally proper court orders wrongfully suppressing speech be complied with?
Yes
If a person violates a court order what is their punishment procedurally?
A person who violates a court order is barred from later challenging it.
Can the government require a license for speech?
Yes
Under what circumstances can the government require a license for speech? (what’s the test?)
only if there is an
1) important reason for licensing and
2) clear criteria leaving almost no discretion to the licensing authority.
3) Licensing schemes must contain procedural safeguards such as prompt determination of requests for licenses and judicial review
What is vagueness? (as applied to con law)
A law is unconstitutionally vague if a reasonable person cannot tell what speech is prohibited and what is allowed
What is overbreadth?
A law is unconstitutionally overbroad if it regulates substantially more speech than the constitution allows to be regulated.
Can the government regulate symbolic speech?
Yes
Under what circumstances can the government regulate symbolic speech? (what’s the test?)
If the government
1) has an important interest unrelated to suppression of the message and
2) if the impact on communication is no greater than necessary to achieve the government’s purpose
Is it protected symbolic speech? Flag burning
Yes
Is it protected symbolic speech? Draft card burning
No
Is it protected symbolic speech? Nude dancing
No
Is it protected symbolic speech? Burning cross
Yes, burning cross is protected unless threat
Is anonymous speech protected?
Yes
Is it constitutional?: Contribution limits (for politics)
Yes