The U.S. Capitol descended into chaos on Jan. 6 as pro-Trump demonstrations and protests turned into violent riots. Peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment, but where do today’s events stand?
Roy Gutterman is an expert on communications law, the First Amendment, and is director of the Newhouse School’s Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University. He provides a written comment below.
Gutterman says:
“There is a great difference between free speech and peaceful assembly and what we saw today. Protesting on political issues and other important public issues is important and should be encouraged and protected. But First Amendment protections do not extend to rioting and acts of violence. It is sad to see what we’ve seen today at the U.S. Capitol.”
A runner for most of her life, Marla Runyan L’25 crossed yet another finish line when she walked the stage in May to accept her diploma from the College of Law. While this was quite an achievement, she is no…
College of Law Distinguished Professor Nina Kohn is helping to create “gold standard” legislation on some of the most important issues facing older adults and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Based on her legal expertise, including in the area of elder…
In June 1776, from a rented room in Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson penned the first draft of the document that would forge a nation. The stakes were high, amidst the ongoing war with the British, to find the right words to…
Ken Pontarelli ’92 credits the University for changing his life, opening up opportunities to pursue his passions and achieve professional success that allows him to focus on the public good. In return, he and his wife, Tracey, are paying it…
Three decades ago, Terence J. Lau L’98 walked the corridors as an eager student in the College of Law, then located in White Hall. He knew he had been given a rare chance—and a full scholarship—to be a part of…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
