Guardians of Democracy: Recent US Court Decisions and the First Amendment’s Role in Protecting Freedom of Expression

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Résumé
In an era marked by escalating political polarization and governmental [executive] overreach, the judiciary stands as the final safeguard for democratic principles and individual liberties. This presentation delves into pivotal court decisions from 2025 that underscore the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the First Amendment against executive encroachments.

Key topics include:

• Judicial Oversight of Executive Actions: Examination of cases where courts have intervened to prevent unlawful governmental actions that threaten free expression.
• Retaliation and Viewpoint Discrimination: Analysis of instances where governmental entities have targeted individuals or institutions based on their speech, and the legal ramifications thereof.
• Impact on Academic Institutions: Discussion on how recent policies have affected academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions.
• Media and Legal Profession Protections: Insights into how the courts have defended the rights of media organizations and legal professionals from governmental interference.
• International Perspectives: Comparative analysis of similar challenges to freedom of expression in other countries such as Brazil and Russia, highlighting global trends and lessons.

Hawley Johnson est directrice adjointe de Columbia Global Freedom of Expression. Depuis 2014, elle dirige le développement de la Case Law Database, qui présente des analyses des décisions judiciaires marquantes en matière de liberté d’expression dans plus de 130 pays. Elle est régulièrement juge pour le Price Media Law Moot Court et soutient les épreuves régionales MENA organisées par la Ain Shams Law School au Caire, en Égypte. Ses recherches portent sur la désinformation, les discours haineux et la réglementation des plateformes. La Dre Johnson a présenté des observations orales sur la liberté d’expression et les discours non protégés au Rapporteur spécial sur la liberté d’expression de la Commission interaméricaine des droits de l’homme. En 2025, elle a contribué à la publication de Chilling Effect: A Comparative Analysis of the Case Law from the African, European, and Inter-American Human Rights Systems, entre autres publications.