“Fighting Words”

In our contemporary political environment, the questions around the “fighting words” doctrine have been raised. Check out the article by David L. Hudson, “Fighting Words,” [Newseum, July, 2009]: at:

http://www.newseuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/topics/freedom-of-speech-2/personal-public-expression-overview/fighting-words/

A great exercise would be to take court rulings in situations he discusses, adding some current situations, and pose the question to your students, (“Should this speech be allowed? Why or why not?”) challenging them to come up with a free speech “rule.” Good luck! 

See also:

http://study.com/academy/lesson/fighting-words-doctrine-definition-law-examples.html