Free-speech defenders are up in arms over the recent controversy after Phil Robertson, star of the A&E network’s hit show Duck Dynasty, was suspended indefinitely after he made anti-homosexual remarks during a GQ Magazine interview. Duck Dynasty follows the Robertson…
Say what? You must be on Quack
Although the First Amendment is not absolute and there are some restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, it must be truly acknowledged that the citizens of the United States enjoy the greatest freedoms of speech and expression that can…
Halloween costumes and the First Amendment
Every November, post-Halloween news stories begin to circulate the media and offensive Halloween costumes are a consistent theme of these reports. This year, we’ve seen such costumes as Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman, the World Trade Centers, and James Holmes,…
Daniel Aaronson Has Become Chairman
The law firm of Benjamin, Aaronson, Edinger & Patanzo, P.A. is pleased to announce that managing partner Daniel Aaronson is now the Chairman Emeritus and immediate past president of the First Amendment Lawyers Association (FALA). The First Amendment Lawyers Association is a prominent, nationwide…
7 dirty words. “F-Word you” to Government censorship
Last month James Benjamin was invited to participate in a debate on an internet talk show. Unfortunately, he could not accommodate the time schedule so I had to stand in and take his place. The topic of the debate was…
Antonio Morrison, The Gator that barks like a dog!
Last month University of Florida starting middle linebacker, Antonio Morrison, was arrested for barking at a police dog. Within days, the video of the arrest and comments about the incident were national news. Fortunately, the state attorney’s office in Alachua…
Sticks and stones break bones but Symbols never hurt me
Freedom of Speech does not only protect the spoken word, but it also protects what has been termed “symbolic speech”. Probably the greatest example of symbolic speech is the extension of the middle finger while all other fingers are tucked…
I Think therefore I am subject to Arrest
Last month a New York jury found a police officer guilty of crimes relating to his desire to kill and engage in cannibalism. Whether this was a just verdict or not is impossible for us to tell, given that we…
First Amendment battleground changes often
Last month the First Amendment Lawyers’ Association Meeting was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. What was different about this meeting than all other meetings was that this was the first meeting that Daniel Aaronson, President of the First Amendment Lawyers’…
First Amendment doctrine, is it that hard to understand?
Under First Amendment doctrine, a prior restraint is a situation where words or pictures are prevented from being spoken or published. Therefore, if there was a prior restraint against this article you would not have the opportunity to read what…