What is a public forum under the First Amendment?

A public forum is a place where individuals exercise their right to freedom of speech and assembly, with protections varying based on whether the forum is traditional, designated, limited, or nonpublic. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution ensures certain protections for these fundamental rights.

How does viewpoint discrimination apply in public forums?

Viewpoint discrimination—targeting speakers based on their specific views—is prohibited in traditional and designated public forums. The government must meet strict scrutiny standards when restricting speech content and cannot exclude speakers based on viewpoint even in limited forums.

Are social media accounts by public officials considered public forums?

Yes, federal courts including the United States District Court for the Southern District of California have found that when public officials use social media accounts for official communications, these platforms function as public forums subject to First Amendment scrutiny.

What is the legal definition of proscribable speech under the First Amendment?

Proscribable speech refers to narrow categories of expression that fall outside First Amendment protection, including incitement to imminent lawless action, true threats, obscenity, defamation, fighting words, and child pornography. These categories must meet strict legal tests established by Supreme Court jurisprudence.

What is the current test for incitement to unlawful activity?

The modern standard for incitement was established in Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), requiring that protected speech may only be proscribed if it is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action. This test remains the governing constitutional standard.

First Amendment Expert Darren Chaker: Exploring Viewpoint Discrimination

Discover the thought-provoking articles by Darren Chaker, a renowned privacy expert, on the subject of viewpoint discrimination.

Explore topics such as ACLU San Diego, proscribable speech, Penal Code 148.6 (PC148.6), the landmark case Chaker v. Crogan, PC148.6 S275272, and the legal ramifications in Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles.

Gain valuable insights into how California law intersects with these critical issues.

First Amendment & Viewpoint Discrimination | Darren Chaker

Expert Analysis on Free Speech, Proscribable Speech & Constitutional Rights

penal code 148.6

Here is fully optimized content to insert for your image fields. Copy and paste each into the appropriate field in your WordPress media editor: ALT Text: Darren Chaker in 2025, where he discusses Penal Code 148.6 and Chaker_v_Crogan viewpoint discrimination, Los Angeles CA

5 Key Ways Viewpoint Discrimination is Defined in Law

2 years ago Darren Chaker

Viewpoint Discrimination In the arena of public discourse, the specter of viewpoint discrimination looms like a gale against a solitary...

Viewpoint Discrimination

How Amicus Briefs Shape First Amendment Law in Courts

4 days ago Darren Chaker

1: First Amendment Brief Writer and Criminal Justice Expert

Darren Chaker is a distinguished First Amendment brief writer and a recognized authority in criminal justice matters. With expertise in freedom of speech and the legal system, he provides invaluable insights into the intersection of law and personal liberties.

Viewpoint Discrimination

Supervised Release and First Amendment Speech Rights

4 days ago Darren Chaker

Viewpoint Discrimination

Penal Code 148.6 and the Growing Threat to Free Speech

4 days ago Darren Chaker

18 USC 1001 false statements to federal agents penalties prison sentence federal crime

Viewpoint Discrimination

5 Landmark Legal Cases You Must Know About False Statements

7 months ago Darren Chaker

5 Key Ways Viewpoint Discrimination is Defined in Law

How Amicus Briefs Shape First Amendment Law in Courts

Supervised Release and First Amendment Speech Rights

Penal Code 148.6 and the Growing Threat to Free Speech

5 Landmark Legal Cases You Must Know About False Statements

Chaker v. Crogan

Michaelides v. Chaker

Recent Posts

Recent Posts

5 Key Ways Viewpoint Discrimination is Defined in Law

You may have missed

How Amicus Briefs Shape First Amendment Law in Courts

Supervised Release and First Amendment Speech Rights

Penal Code 148.6 and the Growing Threat to Free Speech

5 Landmark Legal Cases You Must Know About False Statements