The Latest Breaking News from Oliver Wendell Holmes

The Doctor Who Proved That Handwashing Saves Lives And How It Destroyed His Career

Before anyone knew germs existed, one obstetrician figured out that doctors were unknowingly carrying death from the autopsy table to the delivery room. Chlorinated lime and a hand wash cut mortality by nearly tenfold. His reward was professional ruin, a breakdown, and being sent to an asylum.

Bored Panda · Sep 28

Journal of Free Speech Law: "Gitlow Revisited: Disentangling Ideas and Crimes Via the Harm Principle," by Ronald Krotoszynski

The final article from the "Gitlow v. New York at 100" symposium, held last year at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

Reason · Jan 26

Journal of Free Speech Law: "Incitement, Enthusiasm, and the Dangers of Negligent Protest," by John Inazu

From the "Gitlow v. New York at 100" symposium, held this year at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

Reason · Dec 9, 2025

After 100 Years, End the Open Fields Doctrine

Federal agents are allowed to search private property without a warrant under this Prohibition-era Supreme Court precedent.

Reason · Oct 31, 2024

Yes, Tim Walz, You Can Shout 'Fire' In A Crowded Theatre

During Tuesday's debate, Tim Walz fumbled a key moment by misunderstanding the First Amendment

Reason · Oct 2, 2024

Campus Free Speech, 2024

For free speech on campus, Brandeis and Holmes should guide colleges and universities.

Reason · Sep 3, 2024

When Attacks on Anarchists Accidentally Improved Free Speech Law

After the crackdown on anarchists died down, it became more difficult to imagine anyone could go to jail in America solely for political heresy.

Reason · Aug 18, 2024

Journal of Free Speech Law: "'Falsely Shouting Fire,'" by Profs. Genevieve Lakier & Evelyn Douek

The article is here; the Introduction: Over one hundred years ago, in Schenck v. United States, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes created a meme. Holmes wanted to illustrate why freedom of speech was not—and could never be—absolute. "The most stringent protection of free speech," Holmes wrote, "would not protect a man…

Reason · Apr 11, 2024

How To Yell 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater

Aside from narrowly defined exceptions, false speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Reason · Oct 24, 2023

Taxes Are Not the Mark of Civilized Society

Contra the famous quotation from Oliver Wendell Holmes, there's nothing particularly civilized about the way our governments spend the money we provide.

Reason · Apr 18, 2023