Freedom of Speech: The Essential Prerequisite to Liberal Democracy

Resource person: Audra Bullard - office@clehighlands.com

Description:

Battles over freedom of speech have gained renewed prominence in recent years. Ranging from disputes over school and university curricula, what books should be in school or public libraries, and the limits of public discourse during street demonstrations over racial justice, the 2020 election, or the Israel-Hamas war, debates over the value of free expression are constantly in the news. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has been immersed in these battles since 1999 as it has defended and promoted the value of free speech for all Americans in courtrooms, campuses, and the culture. FIRE has represented students and faculty members from all sides of the political spectrum in an effort to preserve individual rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, due process , legal equality, religious liberty and sanctity of conscience. Robert Corn-Revere, FIRE’s Chief Counsel will discuss the current controversies through the lens of his forty-year career as a First Amendment litigator and provide historical context as set forth in his book, The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder: The First Amendment and the Censor’s Dilemma

Presenter: Robert Corn-Revere is Chief Counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He joined FIRE from the law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine where he was a partner for 20 years specializing in freedom of expression and communications law. Before his time at DWT, he was a partner at Hogan & Hartson and served as legal advisor and later chief counsel to Federal Communications Commission Chairman James H. Quello. Corn-Revere is a prominent writer, thinker, and advocate on free expression issues. In 2021, Cambridge University Press published his book, The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder: The First Amendment and the Censor’s Dilemma, which explores how free expression became a part of America’s identity. He also co-authored the three-volume treatise, Modern Communications Law, published by West Group. Before joining FIRE full-time, Corn-Revere served as outside counsel for FIRE’s Stand Up For Speech Litigation Project, successfully litigating on behalf of college students and faculty whose First Amendment rights were violated.

Notes: Cancellation Policy Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

Share this activity: