Jerry Edwards on the Early History of the First Amendment

In this episode, Jerry Edwards, Associate Professor of Law at West Virginia University College of Law, discusses his draft article "The Reconstructed First Amendment." Edwards begins by reflecting on why the original understanding of the First Amendment is important in this historical moment. He then explains how the understanding of the First Amendment at the time of its ratification was very different from the modern understanding, and how that original understanding persisted long past the ratification of the 14th Amendment and Reconstruction. He also discusses how his historical observations might affect current debates over the interpretation of the First Amendment. Edwards is on Bluesky.

This episode was hosted by Brian L. Frye, Professor of Law at Tulane University School of Law. Frye is on Twitter at @brianlfrye and on Bluesky at @brianlfrye.bsky.social.

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