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Speech and the First Amendment

Lesson Plan

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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Teacher Resources

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Protected Speech Lesson Plan - What is the Freedom of Speech?
Protected Speech Lesson Plan - Free Speech Activities

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