-
The Federalist Papers
A series of papers written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In Federalist no. 84, Hamilton writes that the freedom of the press is protected by the first amendment -
Expiration of Sedition Act
The Sedition Act had expired and Thomas Jefferson had pardoned all people convicted under the Sedition act. -
Lincoln rescinds Gen. Burnsides suspension of the Chicago Tribune
Gen. Burnsides of the Union army ordered the Chicago Tribune to cease from printing papers due to the multiple accounts of anti-loyalty in their papers; President Lincoln cancels this suspension a few days later. -
14th Amendment
14th Amendment ratified which prevents any state from depriving any person their right of life, liberty, and property without a fair trial. -
Espionage Acts
Congress passed a set of laws that made it illegal to purposefully cause insubordination or mutiny to the military or naval forces of the United States. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
School teacher John Thomas Scopes is found guilty of breaking a Tennessee law that prohibits teachings of evolution in public schools. -
Roosevelt pardons those convicted by the Espionage and Sedition Acts
Franklin Roosevelt pardons those persons convicted under the Espionage and Sedition acts during the first world war. -
Thornhill v. Alabama
The Supreme Court declared an Alabama law required legal reasons for picketing outside business' unconstitutional because it violates free speech un the First Amendment. -
Cantwell v. Connecticut
The Supreme Court declares that the first amendment can be applied to the states because of the due process clause in the 14th Amendment. -
Equal Access Act
Congress passed the equal access act requiring schools being funded by the federal government to allow any children into their school despite race, religion, or political beliefs. -
Texas v. Johnson
The Supreme Court decided burning of the flag was protected under the First Amendment. -
Citizens United v. FEC
Supreme Court decided that limiting corporate spending on political campaigns violates the First Amendment.
