Home > Legal Reference Library > Speech and the First Amendment

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the free speech protections of the First Amendment
  • Understand that the government can place limits on free speech
  • Explain to whom the First Amendment applies
  • Evaluate when it’s appropriate for schools to punish student speech

Overview

What does the right to free speech actually mean? Students examine the types of speech the Supreme Court has interpreted as protected by the First Amendment, and those that have not. This mini-lesson also explores issues raised by the defamatory speech of students online, and the power of public schools to discipline for it.

How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like First Amendment cases from our Landmark Library or our lesson Stipulating Speech. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.

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