The hottest First Amendment Substack posts right now

A District of Columbia federal judge has restricted Trump's ability to speak during his Presidential campaign.
The judge considered a gag order proposed by Special Counsel Jack Smith to prevent Trump from criticizing the Court and others involved in the case.
Trump's attorneys argued that the gag order was an attempt by the Biden Administration to silence a political opponent.

COVID extremists may finally face consequences for their actions.
Government and media experts spread misinformation to influence public behavior.
Attempts to restrict first amendment rights could lead to consequences.

The State Department is accused of censoring and limiting the circulation of disfavored press outlets, violating the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
The lawsuit filed by media organizations like The Daily Wire and The Federalist alleges that the State Department is funding censorship technology to suppress certain American news outlets.
The plaintiffs filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction to stop the Department of State from supporting technology that targets Americans' speech or press.

The author is against the normalization of political violence
The author faces harassment and violent threats, even while expecting a child
The blame for the normalization of political violence is spread across various entities, including media and elected officials

Supreme Court is reconsidering Section 230, which was upheld in Reno v. ACLU 25 years ago
Panel of experts are discussing Gonzalez v. Google and the fate of Section 230
Gathering of internet law experts to analyze Supreme Court oral arguments on the fate of the internet

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Content moderation is a complex issue for platforms like Substack, with controversies around what kind of content should or should not be allowed.
Substack's moderation policies are driven by a mix of factors, including branding, promotion of free speech, and distinguishing between harmful content and open discourse of ideas.
There's a fine line between allowing free speech and banning harmful content, and platforms like Substack make value judgments based on what is considered harmful or not communicating ideas.

Free speech is more than just the first amendment; it's about physical constraints, tools, and audience access, freedom from reprisal, and cultural receptiveness to new ideas.
Freedom of speech is heavily influenced by financial and social resources, where those who are well-financed and well-connected are heard more clearly than those who are not.
Free speech is practical and useful for generating robust dialogue, debate, and embracing new ideas, but it isn't the only thing that matters in society; there are tradeoffs to consider.

Elon Musk is suing the author for accurately publishing his own words.
The author stood up to Elon Musk by publishing negative feedback and faced backlash.
Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against the author for publishing his own statements, attempting to shift legal liability.

The question of academic freedom for university administrators is complex and largely unexplored.
There are arguments both for and against extending academic freedom to administrators.
Protecting administrators' academic freedom could challenge bureaucratic tendencies but may not align with their selection preferences.

In 1971, a billboard in Pennsylvania advertised abortions in New York for under $250, which is equivalent to $1800 today when adjusted for inflation.
The advertising of abortion services was controversial and taboo in the 70s, with public outrage and legal debates surrounding the billboards.
The history of abortion advertising shows evolving social attitudes, from discreet underground referrals to more open advertising today, protected by the First Amendment.