Court Watchers Dissect Alito Speech
The U.S. Supreme Court’s newest justice gave a speech yesterday that had court watchers wondering if it provides a hint that the First Amendment will prevail in two pending cases.
Alito spoke about the issue in response to a question about freedom of speech on the Internet. “I’m a very strong believer in the First Amendment and the right of people to speak and to write,” he said. “I would be reluctant to support restrictions on what people could say.”
Two big pending cases before the court deal with the First Amendment, causing speculation about the import of Alito’s comments, the Washington Post reports.
One case asks whether a student has a right to unfurl a “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” banner at a parade during school hours. Another involves restrictions on campaign financing.
