Vol. 21

The Sound of Government Intrusion Into Artistic Expression: The Implications of the Recent Indictment Against Rapper “Young Thug”

Jan
13

Inside of a 56-count indictment against several individuals in Atlanta, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis recently charged rapper “Young Thug” with gang activity and conspiracy charges under Georgia’s R.I.C.O Act. The indictment for Young Thug cites some of his song lyrics and accompanying music videos, arguing that it is proof of his involvement with the street gang “Young Slime Life.” These indictments have been the source of much controversy, raising concerns of government overreach of the First Amendment rights of musicians.

The Supreme Critic: The Last Word on Fine Art

Dec
16

Today, Kanye West is most known for his outlandish behavior and frequent appearances amongst the tabloids. But early on in Mr. West’s career, he made a name for himself for taking samples of past music, using them in his present work, and creating some of the biggest hits to chart the Billboards. The future of such artistic creativity utilized by musicians such as Kanye West, comes under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court in Warhol v. Goldsmith.

Book Banning in Public Schools: A Poor Tool for Censorship

Dec
09

By Annalee Blanks, Vol. 21 Staff Writer The concept of book banning isn’t anything new. In some instances, it’s older than the United States itself with the banning of alternative religion pamphlets going back into the 1650s. Starting in the 20th century, public schools became battlegrounds for parents and educators to debate between the social …

Nov
25

By Annelise Yackow, Vol. 21 Staff Writer The summer of 2020 was a pivotal time for the United States, particularly for the future of the criminal justice system, but also for First Amendment rights. Following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police, national protests broke out calling for improved police accountability …

“But I was Just Joking!”: The Insurmountable Infringement Defense

Nov
18

“I was just joking!” serves as a less than convincing defense to most accusations. Not so in the Ninth Circuit. There, as Jack Daniels learned in a case it now seeks to bring to the Supreme Court, where an otherwise infringing product “communicates a ‘humorous message’ ” it is almost impossible to win.

The FTC Sticks Their Foot in the First Amendment

Nov
11

In May 2022, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against a California footwear company, Gravity Defyer Medical Technology Corporation, and its owner, Alexander Elnekaveh, for false and deceptive advertising. Gravity Defyer markets and sells “pain defying” footwear made with “hybrid VeroShock technology” that claims to relieve knee, back, ankle or foot pain associated with certain medical conditions. In response to the lawsuit, Gravity Defyer invoked their First Amendment right to free speech and criticized the government agency for having a history of overreaching.

What Happens in California, Doesn’t Stay in California: First Amendment Implications of Interstate Abortion Advertising Post-Dobbs

Nov
04

By: Blythe Riggan, Vol. 21 Staff Writer This summer, the Supreme Court left us with more questions than answers. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, the Court held that the Constitution does not confer a federal right to an abortion. However, in stripping abortion of its constitutional protection, the Court also places another constitutionally protected …

Volume 21 Blogs!

Sep
26

The First Amendment Law Review Board is excited to announce the first round of blog topics for Volume 21! We will be posting one blog from our newest Staff Writers here each week starting November 4th. Here is the schedule: Blog Topic Date Interstate Abortion Advertising November 4, 2022 First Amendment Issues Around Misleading Advertisements …