| The Freedom of Speech and Political Signs |
|
| For the most part, cities and municipalities cannot implement "sign" ordinances or regulations that restrict a person's right to free political speech. To do so would be considered "state action" that is subject to the provisions of the United States Constitution. Because homeowner associations and condominium associations are not state actors, they are not constrained by the Constitution. Accordingly, they can implement--and enforce--political sign regulations and rules without fear of running afoul of the First Amendment.
More... |
|
|
| Same Sex Survivor Benefits |
|
| The same sex marriage battle continues to intensify. State and federal legislators have proposed "Defense of Marriage" laws, some of which have become laws. In November 2004, voters in 11 states passed state constitutional amendments banning same sex marriage. Conservative, religious, liberal, and civil rights groups continue the debate over whether same sex couples should be permitted to enter into legal marriage. Those in favor of same sex marriages say that same sex couples seek "marriage equality" for the same reasons that everyone else does: to protect their relationships and to receive the same benefits and recognition as heterosexual couples and their families. Among those benefits are survivor or death benefits.
More... |
|
|
| College "Speech Codes" and the First Amendment |
|
| "Speech codes" on some college campuses have created debate about the freedom of speech. Opponents of speech codes contend that the policies actually violate students' right to free speech by limiting what students can say, and sometimes where they can say it. A federal court has determined that a university could not enforce those parts of a code of conduct that had the effect of limiting students' First Amendment rights. More... |
|
|
| Children's Internet Protection Act |
|
| The Children's Internet Protection Act requires a public library to use "filtering" or "blocking" software on computers that are available to the public. A library that fails to do so would lose certain federal funds.
More... |
|
|
| Internet and Telephone Surveillance After September 11, 2001 |
|
| A federal court has ruled that the Internet and telephone surveillance provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) were unconstitutionally broad. Specifically, the federal court rejected the provision that permitted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to demand Internet usage records from Internet Service Providers and other communications firms, without first obtaining a warrant issued by a court. The Security and Freedom Ensured Act (SAFE Act) has been proposed as a bipartisan measure to restrict some of the surveillance and monitoring powers granted to the federal government by the USA PATRIOT Act.
More... |
|
|