In this article, Hailey Martin discusses the infamous Alex Jones and his recent defamation suit where the jury awarded plaintiffs nearly $1 billion in damages. The article explores the lack of a deterrent effect excessive damages has on unremorseful plaintiffs and argues that criminal defamation punishments in combination with civil damages may be more deterrent and fairer in affording justice.
Associate Member Caroline Hardig examines two state laws effecting social media platforms, prompting the Eleventh Circuit and Fifth Circuit to decide differently on how to treat social media platforms under the First Amendment.
Blog Editor Sara Leonhartsberger discusses Supreme Court precedent relating to defamation of public figures, and how the recent outcome of the Depp v. Heard trial may implicate First Amendment rights in the future.
Author: Brooke Logsdon, Associate Member, University of Cincinnati Law Review The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on the political speech case, Heffernan v. City of Paterson.[1] The case involved Officer Heffernan, who was demoted from his position as a detective because his department believed that he was supporting the adverse mayoral candidate.[2] More specifically,... Continue Reading →
Author: Brooke Logsdon, Associate Member, University of Cincinnati Law Review In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the Supreme Court required the government to provide objecting employers with accommodations when their religious beliefs conflict with requirements of the Affordable Care Act.[1] Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Hobby Lobby a number of circuits... Continue Reading →
Author: Andrea Flaute, Associate Member, University of Cincinnati Law Review From basic speech restrictions to an outright prohibition on personally solicited campaign funds, judicial candidates, prior to the decisions in Republican Party of Minnesota v. White and Williams-Yulee v. Florida Bar, lacked the basic leeway given to every other candidate to control their campaign.[1] In... Continue Reading →
