The First Amendment and You: What Everyone Should Know

by John E. Finn

Increase your understanding and appreciation for how our nation and Constitution were formed in this two-course set. The First Amendment and You: What Everyone Should Know helps you fully grasp why we have a First Amendment, what and whom it protects, and why it matters to you personally. The Great Debate: Advocates and Opponents of the American Constitution provides you with deep insights into the political philosophies of some of our nation's greatest founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Patrick Henry.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Law, Politics, Audiobook, The Americas, American History

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for this comprehensive course in just 12 lectures on one of the most important sections of the USA's Constitution.

"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."

These may be the most important 45 words in America's Constitution. Few citizen's can quote them, but almost every American thinks that he/she knows what they mean. Professor John E. Finn was an excellent choice to take us through the subdivisions called: The establishment clause, the free exercise clause, the free speech clause, the free press clause, the assembly clause, and the petition clause. Each has been subject to a variety of interpretations and misconceptions.

With respect to the latter, Finn's first lecture is a perfect introduction. He then successively provides a thorough discussion of:
Political Speech
Symbolic Speech
Corporate Speech
Obscenity
Hate Speech
The various clauses and an analysis of differences depending on where and how you choose to speak.

One of the strongest parts of this course is that it isn't just a look at the past. Professor Finn examines the present with its variety of media and the complex issues of the internet. He isn't afraid to raise issues about future technology and how the First Amendment might interface with those changes.

Having finished the course, I felt both enlightened and inspired. I learned a great deal and I certainly value this part of the Constitution more for having done so.

[M.W. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Amendment and You: What Everyone Should Know a lecture series by John E. Finn distributed by The Great Courses receives 4 stars from me.

The information is excellent. I enjoyed his lecture style, very direct, clear examples, with very few bad jokes.

Recommended: Highly. This is great for anyone who has been out of school for a time, or if you want to learn more. It is not high school level.

[Mary D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about the complexity, nuances and intricacies of interpreting the first amendment. Although it's hard to say the delivery of the lectures was entertaining, it certainly held my attention. Professor Finn has an engaging way of discussing case law.

[R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very mediocre course from the Great Courses. I would not recommend this one. It seemed no where near as interesting to me as some of the others that I've been though so if this is your first one don't give up! They get better.

[Edward ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

What rights do you have. Well it matters...

[John Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting review of the various aspects of the 1st Ammendment. While fascinating at times it also gets bogged down in details . This muddles the subject instead of providing expert clarity.

[David Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the major legal issues of the First Amendment. Some of it is now dated given the changes with the internet and the rise of AI.

[Alina GWEN Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

45 words of the first amendment. Should be straightforward, right?!
I am more confused than ever. It seems you can argue everything in minute detail.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the second reading, I changed the rating from 5 to 4. It is still good, of course, but the organization can be improved. Taking notes led to a lot of reorganization for me. It is still very good.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and concise 9 hour lecture examination of roughly four dozen words.

[Eric Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every American should be required in school to understand how our constitution has been interpreted from the time of the founders and in recent court hearing. The nation is in the midst of a great divide with most unable to actually state what our laws mean. A useful primer on the First amendment to the constitution of the United States.