Politics
Texas argues Facebook and Twitter are a ‘modern-day public square’ in defense of censorship law
Posted on · Lawyers for the social media companies say the law, HB 20, is an infringement on their First Amendment rights.
Tag: First Amendment
Politics
A federal judge has blocked Texas’ new social media censorship law for now
Posted on · House Bill 20, which was set to take effect Dec. 2, would have let Texas users banned by social media platforms sue for reinstatement or have the state attorney general sue on their behalf.
Politics
Voters pass a constitutional amendment banning suspension of religious services
Posted on · The amendment emerged as a response to COVID-related bans on church services by large counties, including Harris County – it may be subject to lawsuits for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Houston Matters
How a Houston attorney prepared to argue before the Supreme Court — and brought along some local law students for the ride
Posted on · Rick Morris talks about how he prepared for one of the toughest challenges an attorney can face: arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Business
Tech Groups Sue Texas Over Social Media Censorship Law
Posted on · Net Choice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association say the law violates the constitutional rights of social media platforms themselves.
Politics
Texas Senate Passes Bill That Would Punish Social Media Companies For Alleged Political Censorship
Posted on · House Bill 20’s primary Senate sponsor argued that social media platforms are the modern equivalent of “common carriers” and should be treated as such in terms of protecting freedom of speech.
Town Square
The 2021 Supreme Court Cases Shape Voting Rights And Free Speech
Posted on · The highest court on the land made decisions voting laws, warrantless searches, and swearing students in its most recent sessions.
Politics
Texas Bill Targeting ‘Riots’ Would Crack Down On Right To Protest, Experts Say
Posted on · Senate Bill 912 is one of more than 90 such bills advanced in state legislatures across the country in the wake of last year’s demonstrations against racism and police violence.
Houston Matters
How The Constitution Gets Tested In Times Of Crisis, Like A Pandemic
Posted on · Law professor Charles "Rocky" Rhodes explains how a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak affects our Constitutional rights.
News
Montgomery County Judge Sued Over Practice Of Courtroom Prayer
Posted on · The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing Judge Wayne Mack and the State of Texas for allegedly violating an attorney’s First Amendment rights.
News
State Appeals Court Rules Texas’ ‘Revenge Porn’ Law Violates The First Amendment
Posted on · The Tyler-based 12th Court of Appeals also said the law is overly broad. The case is now likely headed to the state's highest criminal court
News
Analysis: Free Speech In Texas, If You Have A Minute Or Two
Posted on · You’ve heard about “snowflakes” on campus — the people who melt when they hear things they don’t want to hear or cannot deal with? Here’s your opportunity to see some elected snowflakes in action
News
After First Amendment Challenge, FEMA May Pay Texas Churches To Rebuild After Harvey
Posted on · FEMA announced the policy change Tuesday
In 59 Seconds
Are all bumper stickers equal under the law? In 59 Seconds
Posted on · The answer is no. But the limitations to freedom of expression are few.
Houston Matters
Does A Message On A Truck Actually Represent Disorderly Conduct?
Posted on · An expert discusses the legal precedent for prosecuting someone for displaying an explicit message on their vehicle.