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The Right to Lie

The Right to Lie

Join Delaware Humanities speaker, Joan DelFattore, for a lecture/discussion about lying. 

In 2016, a federal appeals court struck down an Ohio law that provided penalties for lying during political campaigns. The reason? There is, in fact, a constitutional right to lie. Sure, you can be prosecuted for things like fraud, perjury, and libel, but those are exceptions. In general, constitutional protection for free speech does not depend on whether the speech is true. And when the topic is politics, untruthful speech is not only protected under the First Amendment, but enjoys the highest level of constitutional protection. Why? That’s what this talk is about. For twenty minutes or so, we’ll step back from the fray of partisan politics to take a look at the history and ideas behind our current system. After a brief Q and A, we’ll spend the rest of the program discussing the following questions: Have we, or have we not, reached a point in the history of our country where political lying has so disrupted our electoral system that the public good requires the establishment of legal limits comparable to those placed on perjury? If so, what should such a policy look like, and what unintended consequences might follow?

Please keep all comments and opinions respectful and courteous at all times. This program is targeted to enrich patrons' understanding of United States/local histories through lecture by qualified professors/instructors/organizations with time for audience questions and comment. 

This program is sponsored by Delaware Humanities. 

Registration is  appreciated but not required. Please note: the program is on a first, come first serve basis until capacity is reached. Patrons will be admitted into the meeting room thirty-minutes prior to the event. You may attend in person or via Zoom. 


To watch virtually please use the link below:

Topic: The Right to Lie
Time: Sep 28, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 857 4962 8569
Passcode: 925142
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Related LibGuide: 900-999 - General History & Geography by Sarena Deglin

Date:
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Time:
3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern Time
Location:
Meeting Room A & B (Combined)
Library:
South Coastal Public Library
Audience:
  Adults     Older Adults  
Categories:
  History and Genealogy  
Registration has closed.