The Power of Free Expression in America

Book excerpt: The rights to free speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition are among the most important in a democracy. Without freedom to express one's ideas, democratic values such as the right to criticize government and society become hollow. To protect these freedoms, citizens must understand the roots, of the First Amendment, how it is challenged, and why it is so essential to a free people. The Power of Free Expression in America introduces the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment and explores the historic roots of freedom of expression from John Milton's Areopagitica to current law. It teaches the value of free speech, the role of the press in a free society, and the public's right to know. It defines news, addresses journalism ethics, public trust in the news media, hate speech, media ownership, broadcast regulations, invasion of privacy, and more -- including advice for using the power of free speech effectively. The text includes examples, articles, and court cases to illustrate the First Amendment in action and discuss its power. The second edition features new content that speaks to "fake news," expression in the digital age, and the impact of social media on free speech. Chapters on the Internet, the news, politics and the media, and what the future might hold have been updated to reflect recent developments. The Power of Free Expression in America is ideal for courses in journalism, communication, media studies, history, government, civics, or any course that explores the First Amendment and press in the United States. It is a valuable tool for teachers and students as society wrestles with the evolving role of First Amendment rights in America. Frank Harris III earned his master's degree at The University of Texas and his bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University. He is a professor of journalism at Southern Connecticut State University, a columnist for The Hartford Courant, and a documentary filmmaker. His writing has appeared in over 50 newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. Jerry Dunklee holds a master's degree from Emerson College and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. His career spans more than four decades as a broadcast reporter, news director, talk show host, and teacher. He is a journalism professor at Southern Connecticut State University and has been inducted into the Connecticut Journalism Hall of Fame.