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Defending Words

August 7, 2025 · 1 h 35 min

Show notes

Free speech has long been a constitutional cornerstone in the United States—but in recent years, calls for censorship have surged. Whether in response to hate speech, misinformation, or online harm, efforts to restrict expression are on the rise. In this provocative conversation, former ACLU president and NYU Law Professor Nadine Strossen mounts a powerful defense of the First Amendment. Drawing from her latest book, War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail, Strossen explores the legal doctrines that protect speech, explains why censorship often backfires, and warns of the dangers in allowing government or platforms to decide which ideas are acceptable. A must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of civil liberties.

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Approved for 1.5 hours of General California MCLE credit.

All episodes of California MCLE Podcast

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