Sample Worksheet - Freedom of Speech

[Worksheet 2]

Read the attached sheet describing the facts of the case and the associated federal law, and answer the following questions. You may need to use your favorite Web browser and search engine to complete the questions.

  1. What is a community?
  2. Can one person be involved in multiple communities? Explain.
  3. Who should determine what is acceptable in a given community?
  4. Do communities exist on the Internet? Explain.
  5. What is the significance of the Miller v. California Supreme Court case?
  6. What is freedom of speech?
  7. What is supposed to guarantee freedom of speech in the United States?
  8. Does freedom of speech give you the right to say whatever you want, whenever you want to say it? Why or why not?
  9. Is freedom of speech guaranteed everywhere in the world? If not, describe a violating instance.
  10. Who were the victims of the Thomases' crime?
  11. What was the punishment received by Robert and Carleen Thomas?
  12. Do you believe the punishment was fair to them? Why or why not?
  13. What happened to the Thomases after the initial conviction?
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