U.S. Constitution News
The Daily Signal provides reporting and analysis on the U.S. Constitution, including court rulings, separation of powers, and the defense of individual rights.
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- Opinion
Making Free Speech Great Again in a World of Safe Spaces
Free speech has become anything but. Instead of engaging in productive dialogue to understand different viewpoints, people are lining up to shut down conversation. Sadly, these days the exercise of “free speech” comes at a price—bodily harm, verbal abuse, etc. This trend is most evident on college campuses via the “safe space” movement. Students at…Beverly Hallberg -
- Opinion
This Law Puts Homeowners at Risk of Property Rights Violations
Russ Caswell, the owner of Motel Caswell in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, didn’t ask his guests why they had come. He offered basic accommodations to those who came through his doors. Not all of the guests were good people. A few brought their drug habits with them, and in 30 instances (over a period of 17 years…Pat Nolan -
- News
Conservatives Score Victory for Free Speech at California University
A California university has changed its policies regarding free speech after being sued by Young America’s Foundation and conservative speaker Ben Shapiro. The lawsuit, which was filed by attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom, came after a Shapiro speaking event sponsored by Young America’s Foundation and organized by its affiliate organization, Young Americans for Freedom,…Caleb Ecarma -
- News
Nothing More Feminist Than Self-Defense, Gun Rights Advocate Says
A panel of women said that gun rights should be a feminist issue Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC. During the discussion, Antonia Okafor, a student at the University of Texas at Dallas and campus carry advocate, said gun rights—and the ability to independently protect yourself—are the very epitome of feminism. “How…Morgan Walker -
- Opinion
Why the Assault on Campus Free Speech Threatens Our Republic
It’s no secret that free speech is increasingly under threat on U.S. college campuses. A number of University of Chicago activist groups, including U of C Resist and UChicago Socialists, demanded that the university rescind its offer for Corey Lewandowski to speak on campus. In a letter sent to campus officials, students felt that any dialogue…Roger Ream -
- News
Underreported: How Gun Silencers Became a Health Issue
Most people only know about silencers from what they see in the movies—a stealthy gun accessory that helps criminals more easily kill by suppressing the sound of the gunshot. But silencers, some say, is a misleading way to describe these firearm accessories. Why? Because they don’t actually silence the sound of a gunshot. In a…Kelsey Bolar -
- Opinion
It’s Time to Restore Free Speech to American Churches
For more than 60 years, the federal government has been sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong, threatening to punish houses of worship and their leaders for what they say. The Free Speech Fairness Act was introduced in Congress earlier this week and, if enacted, would go a long way toward ending that. Ever since…Jim Campbell -
- News
Congress Set to Overturn Obama Gun Control Rule
Congress is poised to unravel one of the Obama administration’s midnight regulations that could prevent certain Social Security disability beneficiaries from buying guns. The Social Security Administration finalized a rule just before Christmas 2016 in which it would send information of recipients of disability insurance and Supplemental Security Income to the Justice Department’s National Instant…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
With Obama Gone, Firearms Industry Hopes for New Freedom for Gun Owners
In past years, the SHOT Show—the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show; organized annually by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, held this year in Las Vegas—has been marked by delight at the booming firearms market, clouded by concerns about impending executive actions by now-former President Barack Obama. This year, SHOT was the exact opposite: hopes…Ted Bromund -
- Opinion
In Key Decision, DC Court Upholds Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment is still alive and well, thanks in part to a recent ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. In a Nov. 8 opinion, the court overruled a lower court decision and held that an Iraq War veteran, 1st Sgt. Matthew Corrigan, may pursue his claim for monetary damages against the District…David Rosenthal -
- Opinion
Artists’ Free Speech Rights at Stake in Washington Florist Case
An African-American marketer should not be forced to create an advertising campaign for a white supremacist group. Nor should a Muslim graphic designer be required to develop a webpage promoting Jewish teachings, or a Democrat freelance writer be ordered to draft political speeches for Republicans. Most agree with this, but Washington state Attorney General Bob…Jim Campbell -
- Opinion
A Huge Win for Short-Term Rentals, and Property Rights, in Nashville
P.J. and Rachel Anderson’s story is about as Nashville as they come. P.J. is a singer-songwriter who frequently travels around the country to play shows. His wife Rachel is a graphic designer who is able to set her own hours and work remotely. This had worked out well for them as a young family, as…Hannah Cox -
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Gun Control Measure Divides California’s Politicians, Law Enforcement
A gun control measure on California’s ballot Nov. 8 is pitting sheriffs, police chiefs, and prosecutors against most of the state’s political establishment. “This initiative would do nothing to stop criminals from acquiring ammunition, guns, or large-capacity magazines,” @michele_hanisee says. A state that already has some of the strictest limits on gun ownership in the…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
Separating Fact From Fiction With the Second Amendment and the War on Guns
The current presidential election notwithstanding, there are very few topics that generate as much passionate debate as the Second Amendment and gun control. Every time a tragic event occurs, the left calls for a renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and other restrictive gun control measures, claiming that the proliferation of firearms in this…John G. Malcolm -
- News
She Was Raped at 22. Now She Advocates for Women to Have Choice to Carry a Gun.
Amanda Collins had never planned on becoming a Second Amendment advocate. But on Oct. 22, 2007, when she was just 22 years old, her life would change forever. “I lived through the worst fear that I had had up until that point,” Collins, who’s now a mother of three, told The Daily Signal. “What happened…Kelsey Bolar -
- Opinion
We Need to Amend the Johnson Amendment So the IRS Will Allow Free Speech
Millions of Americans will go to the polls Nov. 8 and vote. These Americans are a cross section of society; they are diverse, with many different opinions, political views, areas of interest, and sources of knowledge that inspire their choices. Such a robust civil society is part of what makes our country great. This civil…Tony Perkins -
- News
Why This Virginia Tech Student Went on a Hunger Strike for Gun Rights
A Virginia Tech student, currently on a hunger strike advocating for the allowance of concealed weapons on campus, wants the right of self-defense abided by on his college campus. “I am advocating for Virginia concealed gun permit holders to be able to carry concealed on campus and in buildings and in the classrooms,” Ryan James…Leah Jessen -
- Opinion
Obama Should Not Put Free Speech on Internet at Risk by Giving Up US Oversight
The incredible ingenuity of the American people invented the internet—one of the most transformational technologies in human history. But even though we created and paid for the internet, we did not keep it for ourselves; we shared it for the benefit of all humanity. That spirit of freedom and generosity is the very essence of…Ted Cruz -
- Opinion
Colleges’ War on Free Speech Continues
The University of Chicago’s president, Robert J. Zimmer, wrote a Wall Street Journal article, titled “Free Speech Is the Basis of a True Education.” In it, he wrote: Free speech is at risk at the very institution where it should be assured: the university. Invited speakers are disinvited because a segment of a university community…Walter E. Williams -
- News
Obama Advocates for UN Gun Treaty Ratification
The Obama administration upped its commitment to get the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty ratified, a tall order since a bipartisan coalition of 50 senators have already said they oppose the gun treaty Secretary of State John Kerry signed three years ago. Second Amendment advocates are concerned the treaty could provide an international law rationalization…Fred Lucas