Its the first day of the semester for me and I am shortly to meet my free speech class for the first time. This blog, which I am creating for the the class, will be a place for me to share news and views related to free speech and ethics, the subject of the course. For the past few years, I have been following the growing use of social media and other digital platforms where ordinary people (non-professional journalists) have been able to publish and disseminate their views on a host of issues. This semester, I am tasking my students (and myself) with exploring just what this "citizen journalism" looks like. This blog will be my contribution.
Here, look for reflection and commentary on free speech issues as I see them, informed by my own professional teaching interest in the subject and my (hopefully) wider reading about free speech issues that are coming to the fore today. In the wake of the Citizens United decision in 2010, expect more on campaign finance and corporate political speech. At least that will be one issue I hope to cover.
Welcome!
