About this series

Even though the text of the First Amendment provides that "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech," it has long been established that there are certain categories of expression that do not receive First Amendment protection. One of those well established exceptions is obscenity. In particular, The government has a compelling interest in protecting minors from obscene and harmful material. In United States v. American Library Association this interest came into conflict with the library as a public forum and its First Amendment protection of free speech.

Hosted by David L. Hudson, Jr. A scholar at the First Amendment Center, Hudson writes for firstamendmentcenter.organd for other publications devoted to First Amendment issues. He is the author or co-author of 20 books, including several on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Constitution and student rights.