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The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment

First Amendment

Does the status of a speaker affect First Amendment freedoms?

Yes, context matters a great deal in First Amendment cases. Adult citizens have the full protection of the First Amendment when they are in society. However, adults do not have the same level of First Amendment rights when they work as public employees. Likewise, public school students—most of whom are minors—do not have the same level of First Amendment rights when they are in school as they do when they are out of school.



Is it okay to stretch the truth in an advertisement because you are exercising free speech under the First Amendment? Or should such ads be strictly regulated? (iStock)