When does artistic expression become a constitutional issue?
Matthew Windman presents a Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts program titled “Freedom of Speech, the First Amendment, and the Arts,” where he examines freedom of speech under the First Amendment and how it applies — and sometimes does not apply — to artists, arts organizations, and entertainment professionals. The program covers key legal doctrines affecting creative expression, including content-based restrictions, prior restraints, public forum analysis, government funding conditions, and situations where speech disputes involve private employers, private venues, or contractual agreements rather than government action.
Beyond the arts context, the program will review foundational Supreme Court precedent shaping modern free speech law and discuss recent national events that raise significant First Amendment questions.