First Amendment Issues

Apropos a discussion I was having with +Ben Phenix and +Nicole Paolini-Subramanya about the right to assemble - ProPublica has a rundown, with commentary from Geoffrey Stone (author of the truly excellent book on the evolution of Free Speech -  "Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime: From the Sedition Act of 1798 to the War on Terrorism")

Just How Much Can the State Restrict a Peaceful Protest? - ProPublica

If the First Amendment guarantees the right to peaceful protest, why do peaceful protesters get arrested -- and sometimes pepper-sprayed and beaten up? We take a look at the legal precedents. (more...)