BUS 241 University of Texas at Dallas Corporate Freedom of Speech Religion Discussion

Purpose:

The United States Supreme Court recently reversed two precedents regarding the First Amendment rights of corporations. A bitterly divided Court held that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections. The Court also rules in an important health insurance case dealing with the religion freedom of cooperation.

Follow the directions below to complete this assignment. I am interested in your reaction to this ruling from a legal and personal point of view. A short statement will be sufficient.

Directions:

1. Read the article by Liptak, Adam “Justices, 5-4, Reject Corporate Spending Limit” N.Y. Times. 22 Jan. 2010. at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/us/politics/22scotus.html

2. Read HOBBY LOBBY STORES, INC., ET AL v. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ET AL http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12a644_k53l.pdf

3. Read one commentator’s analysis there are many on these topic: Legal Analysis of the Supreme Court Ruling on Hobby Lobby-an interesting power point

4. Read both the majority decision and the decisions by those Justices who did not agree and dissented from Supreme Court’s ruling and the Dissents from http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/08-205.ZS.html

5. Go to the Discussion Board forum “Corporate Freedom of Speech and Religion” and discuss the following issues:

• Do you agree with the Court’s decision that corporations are entitled to the same degree of freedom of speech and religion as individuals? Why or why not.
• What impact do you think this will have on elections, on community issues, or how you receive the news?
• Does the possible unlimited amount of money that corporations might be able to spend in support or opposition to a candidate or cause give you any concern? Why or why not?
• Do you think this will impact where employee work? Is that fair?

6. Reply to at least two of your classmates using the discussion grading criteria ( updating later )

Grading:

This assignment is required and graded – up to 20 points for your original posting with up to a total of 5 additional points for replies to two students for a total of 25 points. See the grading criteria for detail