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1st Amendment and Free Speech/homework: censorship in Rock n' Roll Music

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Expert: - 5/1/2005


Question
I have a Presentation that I have to do for my Civics class about my opinion on Music censorship. I'd like to know how freedom of speech ties in with my topic regarding the language, violence drug reference, sexuality, political views etc. in the lyrics of various Rock n' Roll music.
Thank You
-KT

Answer
Hi KT,

Music has been accepted as a valid way of expressing ideas.  Therefore, it receives First Amendment protection.  Government may not ban any of it, no matter how explicit or offensive it might be.

That said, government does have some authority to protect minors from indecent music.  It also has greater authority to prevent use of the public airwaves (TV & radio) to make sure material that is sent that way is not too offensive.

So while it may not be able to censor the music,  government might still prevent it from being played on the radio or being sold to minors.  Such restrictions, of course have a serious impact on the ability of the musicians to make money and therefore have an effect on their work.

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

1st Amendment and Free Speech

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Michael Troy

Expertise

I will answer general questions regarding freedom of speech, petition, or religion. I specialize in cases involving public employment or education, as well as issues related to campaign finance. But I can`t give specific legal advice involving specific cases you might have.

Experience

As an attorney for the Center for Individual Rights, I worked on a number of free speech cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia, in which the Supreme Court upheld my clients' right to run a student newspaper without discrimination because of its religious conent. I also worked on White v. Julian, which protected the right of people to protest against a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

I also worked for the Federal Election Commission on several cases regarding the right to participate in the election process.

Organizations
Former Attorney for Center for Individual Rights.

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
J.D. from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

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