First Amendment

*Access to publishers only.

Directory information for TPA member newspapers may be found under "Newspapers Online" or by calling to order your copy of the Tennessee Newspaper Directory today. ($40 cover price waived for members and clients.)

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Freedom of speech and press; defamation

That the printing presses shall be free to every person to examine the proceedings of the Legislature; or of any branch or officer of the government, and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions, is one of the invaluable rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write, and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. But in prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the official conduct of officers, or men in public capacity, the truth thereof may be given in evidence; and in all indictments for libel, the jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court, as in other criminal cases.
—Article I, Section 19 of the Tennessee Constitution

Resources:

American Society of Newspaper Editors www.asne.org
First Amendment Center www.firstamendmentcenter.org
Sunshine Week www.sunshineweek.org
1 for All www.1forall.us

First Amendment ads
PDF files contain 36 ads with different quotes

Color versions           Black & White versions
1 col. x 2 inch           1 col. x 2 inch
1 col. x 4 inch           1 col. x 4 inch

Sample ad:

1 for All campaign ads available to educate public on 1st Amendment, nationwide promotion

1 for All is a national nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms. ad campaign
1 for All provides teaching materials to the nation’s schools, supports educational events on America’s campuses and reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings. It is truly one amendment for all.

Current legislation & the First Amendment
By Gordon T. Belt, First Amendment Center Library manager
In the 111th Congress, a number of bills being considered could affect First Amendment freedoms. The following summary provides brief explanations of these measures and their current status. link to Belt's summary on fac.org

TPA is a primary media sponsor of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation Imagination Library project.