This course explores American constitutional law regarding freedom of speech, association, the press, and religion. It focuses on the leading First Amendment cases that have created the most expansive protection for expression anywhere in the world. The course will consider not only the reasons for protecting these rights, but also countervailing interests -- such as public safety, national security, and equality -- that cause some to argue for restrictions. We will also consider arguments that the U.S. Supreme Court has gone too far in protecting some forms of expression and association, such as false statements, sexual explicit materials, and corporate political spending.