Its a New Game.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | January 22, 2010

Posted by Cliff Tuttle (c) 2010

The Supreme Court struck down two precedents that had upheld restrictions on corporate funding of political broadcasts, a decision that will have a broad impact on how campaigns are run.

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a 5-4 majority, held that the First Amendment did not permit Congress to punish citizens, or associations composed of citizens, for expressing political opinions and struck down provisions of the McCain-Feingold Act. The majority held that there there was no principled way to distinguish between political commentary on media such as Fox News and similar commentary from a non-media group or organization, including through blogs.

This ruling happened, by coincidence, to have occurred the day following a game-changing Senate special election. Now the new game has new rules.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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