Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Ray Brescia, Associate Dean for Research and Intellectual Life, Albany Law School

How the First Amendment protects Americans’ speech − and how it does not

Demonstrators protest the suspension of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show on Sept. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Imagine a protest outside the funeral of a popular political leader, with some of the protesters celebrating the death and holding signs that say things like “God Hates the USA/Thank God for 9/11,” “America is Doomed” and “Don’t Pray for the USA.”

No matter the political leanings of that leader, most Americans would probably abhor such a protest and those signs.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.