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The First Amendment
The First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (Source: Congress.gov)
This guide serves as a starting point for the researcher to learn more about resources regarding the First Amendment at Randall Library, along with resources freely available via official .gov websites.
First Amendment & Free Speech: Background Information
Historical background information regarding the First Amendment
Freedom of Speech: Historical Background
From the Constitution Annotated at, constitution.congress.gov
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First Amendment: Annotated
From the Constitution Annotated, at constitution.congress.gov
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Free Exercise Clause in the First Amendment
From the Constitution Annotated at, constitution.congress.gov
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Amendment 1: from the National Archives
From the National Archives and Records Administration, (NARA) archives.gov
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A sample list of resources pertaining to the First Amendment
Legal Guide to Public Employee Free Speech in North CarolinaG41 5/2:L49 2002
Drug Price Disclosures and the First AmendmentLC 14.25:LSB 10298
The First Amendment and "encouraging" or "inducing" unlawful immigrationLC 14.25:LSB 10419
First Amendment protections on public college and university campuses Y 4.J 89/1:115-15
First amendment and campaign finance reform after Citizens UnitedY 4.J 89/1:111-71
The First Amendment: Select IssuesKF4770 .A25 2010eb
Federal & State Documents-First Amendment Resources
These are federal and state publications regarding the First Amendment, produced from the various departments of the United States and North Carolina state government(s).
Religious Liberty and the First Amendment Defense Act
House hearing discussing tax-exempt status for religious organizations
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Sidewalks, Streets and Tweets: Is Twitter a Public Forum?
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, discusses former President Trump's use of Twitter and blocking user comments
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The First Amendment: Categories of Speech
The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service describes the differences in types of speech
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First Amendment and Religion
From uscourts.gov, a brief description of the two provisions concerning religion, within the First Amendment
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First Amendment: Law Enforcement Training
From the Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance at: bja.ojp.gov
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North Carolina State Constitution
The State of North Carolina's Constitution, with Preamble and Articles included.
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