The First Amendment's freedom of speech provision is considered the cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution. Yet this fundamental freedom has continually been reassessed and reshaped, not by landmark Supreme Court rulings alone but also by political power plays, economic crises, times of war, and changing social mores. This volume show how our most basic right is manifested in the realities of politics and culture as well as the law.

Introduction --Origins and early development -- The twentieth century -- The future of the freedom of speech -- Key people, cases, and events -- Documents.