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The First Amendment Cases and Theory 4th Edition 9781543826685

The First Amendment: Cases and Theory Fourth Edition—A Fresh Perspective on Free Speech and Religious Liberties

This updated and reimagined casebook provides a deep and thought-provoking exploration of First Amendment law, offering students more than just a roadmap of Supreme Court precedents. Instead of focusing solely on doctrinal tests, the book immerses students in the underlying principles and evolving theories that shape free speech, freedom of association, and religious liberties.

A standout feature of this edition is its commitment to interactive learning. Each major section includes Theory Applied Problems—hypotheticals designed to test students’ grasp of theoretical foundations and real-world implications. Additionally, the book broadens perspectives by examining how other constitutional democracies, such as Canada and Germany, have taken drastically different approaches to regulating expression and religious freedoms.

The casebook is structured to be flexible—ideal for a full three-hour survey course on the First Amendment, yet equally well-suited for specialized classes focusing on free speech or religious liberty. It offers extensive coverage of contemporary legal debates, including government speech, student speech rights in the digital age, and the challenges social media poses to traditional First Amendment doctrines.

The First Amendment Cases and Theory Ronald Krotoszynski 4th Edition ISBN 9781543826685

Key Updates in the Fourth Edition

• Expanded Free Speech Doctrines – Comprehensive updates on low-value speech, content neutrality, symbolic conduct, and freedom of association.
• Recent Supreme Court Rulings – Analysis of major decisions on free expression, the Free Exercise Clause, and the Establishment Clause, reflecting the Court’s evolving interpretations.
• Digital Age Challenges – Consideration of how platforms like social media shape modern free speech debates, including issues of censorship, misinformation, and online harassment.
• Comparative Perspectives – Insightful discussions on how other nations approach free speech, offering critical comparisons to U.S. jurisprudence.

Why This Casebook Stands Out

• Engaging Case Selection – A mix of landmark Supreme Court decisions and contemporary controversies, providing both historical context and present-day relevance.
• Interdisciplinary Approach – Places First Amendment law within a broader societal and philosophical framework, encouraging students to consider both legal reasoning and broader policy implications.
• New Co-Author Perspective – Contributions from noted First Amendment scholar Tim Zick, bringing fresh insights into the study of expressive freedoms.
• Focused Coverage of Religious Liberties – A restructured and updated section on the Religion Clauses, including extensive discussion of religious exemptions, anti-discrimination laws, and the role of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

By balancing traditional doctrine with contemporary legal debates and comparative perspectives, The First Amendment: Cases and Theory, Fourth Edition provides students with the analytical tools to navigate one of the most dynamic and contested areas of constitutional law.

The First Amendment Cases and Theory Krotoszynski 4th Edition 978-1543826685

ISBN 9781543826685