The State Action Doctrine and the First Amendment
Students will explore how the U.S. Supreme Court determines when the First Amendment applies and how the court’s rulings have refined this over time. They’ll learn how the First Amendment restricts the government and why it doesn’t typically apply to private actions.
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Grades 10-12
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Grades 7-9
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Grades 4-6
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Related resources
What Is State Action? State Action Doctrine Explained
Explaining state action, a little-known concept that is key to understanding when First Amendment rights have been violated.
Can Government Cut Funding Based on Speech, Protest Issues?
Does the government cutting funding due to speech and protests it disagrees with violate the First Amendment?
Chilling Effect: Definition, Examples and More
Everything you need to know about a chilling effect and how it relates to free speech and the First Amendment.
Can You Be Required to Speak? Compelled Speech Explained
The First Amendment protects free speech, but what about being required to speak? Here's what you need to know about compelled speech.
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Freedom of Assembly
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