Abstract
A paper which explains how the American Congress has interpreted the First Amendment when deciding on levels of censorship. The paper explores the different issues of what is and what is not defined as freedom of speech. Examples of what is not covered by the First Amendment may be obscenity, "fighting words" and incitement. The paper also discusses how, with the growth of the Internet, the laws should grow with technology and adapt themselves accordingly.

From the Paper
"An area which is not yet completely clear is the subject of Commercial Speech. Deceptive commercial speech can be banned by government, but further regulation of corporations must be taken on a case by case basis. The government can also control speech that is intended and likely to incite lawless action. This also applies in a situation where the speech poses a clear and present danger to the nations security. This is known as "incitement" and was decided in the case of Brandenburg v. Ohio."

Tags:anti-censorship, movements, anti-censorship, movements, Fair, Comment, and, Criticism, Benjamin, Gitlow

Abstract
This paper takes a look at what is protected by the First Amendment. It also looks at how the courts have ruled in a number of important cases. The paper identifies Congressional opinion and actions. It then takes a philosophical look at the issue. Karl Marx wrote extensively on Freedom of the Press and it looks at his position on the issue. His viewpoint is then contrasted with that of the Roman Catholic Church on these issues, through a study of how censorship has been applied throughout the Church's history.

From the Paper
"The freedom of religion, speech, and of the press, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, are basic rights enjoyed by American citizens, however the precise definitions and limitations are vague. Various challenges and court rulings have extended the definition of "speech" to include verbal communication as well as non-verbal communication, such as artistic or physical expression, and symbolic gesture. As the courts have broadened the definitions and protections under the freedom of speech, so have they imposed limitations or exclusions, such as defamation, obscenity, sedition, causing panic, incitement to crime and fighting words."

Tags:amendment, bill, first, bill, rights, Congressional, opinion, philosophy, hip

Abstract
This paper argues that censorship is a clear violation of the first amendment. The writer shows how censorship has been taken way out of hand in the past few years by government and society which has led to the confusion of what exactly the definition of "morally wrong" really is and what it entails. Topics covered are pornography, alternative political views, narcotics and more.

From the Paper
"When people think of censorship, the dominant after-thought is pornography. Granted, pornography, especially on the Internet, is a huge issue, censorship encompasses a vast array of topics. Those being censored feel as though something important is being kept from them. How valid is the First Amendment, which grants freedom of speech, if censorship exists at all? It may start from early childhood, with parents not allowing their children to view certain television shows but it eventually stems in to a deeper subject matter. Censoring students and censoring what students can read, view, or watch disrupts the educational cycle and breeds a definite conflict. Censorship would be more widely accepted if reasoning existed as to why censoring the material occurred in the first place. Any concept or idea becomes more valid if the rationale is understood."

Tags:amendment, ethics, feminism, first, internet, moral, pornography, society, narcotics, politics

Abstract
This paper argues that censorship is incompatible with a functioning democracy and carries out a fundamental examination of democracy to see why this is so. The paper shows how censorship emerges in non-democratic regimes and how it easily descends into modes of oppression. The paper also shows how censorship is replaced by social responsibility in democratic societies in order to thwart the abuse of freedoms. The paper goes on to argue that to inculcate responsibility is the only way forward and presents the "war on terrorism" and the Internet as test cases for the thesis.

From the Paper
"The argument against censorship assumes that everybody in society is a responsible adult. Locke's philosophy of natural rights is the basis to the Constitution. If we examine this philosophy carefully we find that it depends on the autonomous individual, one who is capable of making decisions for himself, and is indeed an end in himself (Jasper 161). This may be correct from a philosophical point of view, but it ignores the reality of minors and irresponsible adults. Children need to be guided, and therefore they also need to be protected from material that is harmful to the building of character. The proper sphere for this sort of action is the family. Parents must determine what their children consume from wider culture. This may seem like an uphill struggle when the wider culture is saturated with harmful material. But if all parents acted responsibly then it is likely that society sets guidelines towards cultural production, i.e., there is instituted a form of self-censorship in the cultural industries. The same argument may apply to other social spheres, e.g. professional and corporate. Only if the elders act responsibly does a culture of responsibility prevail."

Tags:Freedom, of, speech, civil, liberties, first, amendment, patriot, act, totalitarian

Abstract
This paper focuses on the documentary "Hollywood Censored: Movies, Morality and the Production Code" which illustrates the effects of censorship in the film industry. This paper examines the religious condemnation, societal expectations and financial insecurity that have plagued Hollywood and the film industry since the early 1900s. This paper discusses the profound effect the Catholic church had on Hollywood. The Legion of Decency was created in order to clean up to films that were being shown to society. The hold of the Catholic church in the major cities was massive and as long as Hollywood produced films the religious authorities felt were morally harmful to society, priests and parishioners would continue to ban films. The writer also examines the events that led up to the film industry being granted 1st amendment protection in 1952, in which films were finally viewed as an art form.

From the Paper
"In 1952 movies were granted First Amendment protection and films were finally seen as an art form. This came about after the studios were deemed monopolies and forced to give up their movie palaces. Theaters were now free to show any type of film they pleased and were not held liable to the production code. This allowed directors and producers a freedom they had not seen in many years. Breen's theories and strict regulations became obsolete. The control Hollywood and the courts had given him had been relinquished. As the freedom of the theaters grew, the power of the production code fell and in 1962 the production code was officially done away with and replaced with the ratings systems we now have. One producer in the documentary quotes Robert Graves by saying that "It's impossible for any artist not to be a part of his society even if he is against it" (Hollywood). Simply put, this means that as an artist, producer or director, it would be impossible, whether intended or not, to not mirror the society from which the art was created."

Tags:film, hollywood, industry, monopoly, censorship, religion, catholic, church

Abstract
This paper discusses the role of censorship in American society. Special emphasis is placed on commonly known literary texts and historical works. The paper debates the interpretations of censorship and the effect it plays in our everyday lives.

From the Paper
"The First amendment to the United States Constitution reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." The American Library Bill of Rights states, "Intellectual freedom is the right over every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without any restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas" (Censor 34)."

Tags:amendment, books, first, freedom, literature, policy, writers, american, society, literary

Abstract
A look at the the first amendment and a discussion on why the framers of the Constitution felt it was so important to include this clause. The author discusses several areas guaranteed by the First Amendment, such as freedom of religion that should not be taken lightly. This paper pays particular attention to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a federal law to limit pornography. The author also uses examples of religious oppression in China, and against the Dalai Lama as examples.

From the Paper
"This does not, however, mean that the press is entirely free even today. There are at least two key areas over which advocates for limitation on the freedom of expression and advocates for a greater freedom of expression frequently clash. The first of these has also been in the news lately, for it concerns the idea of national security. The federal government has " probably since there was a federal government " withheld some information from the American people on the grounds that to reveal such information publicly would be tantamount to compromising the security of the nation."

Tags:state, supreme, court, us, framers, constitution, dom, press, broadcast, government, secret, war, laws, obscenity, internet, children, chinese, dalai, lama, censorship

Abstract
An opinion paper about how there are times that censorship should be instituted. The writer argues that in most cases the attempt to censor or the act of censorship is something that should be fought at all costs, however there are occasional times when censorship would be beneficial. It explains why the nation should follow the constitutional first amendment in most instances but in light of recent historical events it is time to rethink the 100 percent rule. The use of censorship for the protection of millions is something that needs to be revisited, and embraced.

From the Paper
"On 9-11-2003 the nation watched in terror as the towers came down. Until then the nation's residents had lived in the secure belief that they were untouchable and that the strength of the United States constitution and all of its amendments were a brick wall surrounding the country from harm(Page pg L15). The rights and protections of the first amendment have been challenged periodically throughout the nation's history but after the terrorist attacks it has become evident that there needs to be some flexibility when it comes to the issue of censorship with regards to first amendment rights. In a recent survey more than half of those participants who took it believed that the time has come to provide some flexibility in the first amendment and that some forms of censorship are positive actions for the emotional, physical and collateral safety of those who live here. In the 2002 survey, nearly half of those questioned said they believe the First Amendment goes way overboard in guaranteeing rights to Americans? though many politicians spoke out in favor of the amendment(Page pg L15). "

Tags:constitution, public

Abstract
This paper describes censorship and the first amendment's right of freedom of speech. The author argues that not only book banning violates that right, but also students are denied the ability to develop critical thinking. In order to support this argument, the author uses an example "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck.

From the Paper
"The whole concept of book writing is that the readers be able to develop the analytical abilities required to critically assess what they see and experience in life. Books are a form of media that allow the reader to develop imaginative powers and increase their comprehension and cognitive skills. Researchers have found that when exposed to Literature at an early age a child develops better critical powers later in life. So if literature has such a profound effect on people why censor it? The list of potential books to be banned include: "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

To ban a book is taking from the students and the readers the right to determine on their own individual level whether what they are being exposed to in the book is right or wrong. Banning a book and censoring it is taking from readers their right to a decision and thus, compromising their fundamental right as depicted in the First Amendment."

Tags:rights, school, students, constitution, critical, thinking, government, supreme, court, politics, profanity, offensive, language, challange, individuality, opinion

Abstract
This paper will discuss the elements of censorship within the field of rap music and the rights of the First Amendment that gives all freedom of speech. The movement has been under attack for its 'offensive language' and makes a challenge in understanding what should be allowed as a public moral or censored by the public and its lawmakers. This paper will argue for the rights of rappers to have their rights upheld in the Constitution. If this government was set up to send a message of free speech, it should stand beside that philosophy.