In recognition of her defense of First Amendment rights for writers, painters and other artists, President Bill Clinton awarded her the arts medal in 1998.
The "child" in this case, Mrs. Leggett said, is First Amendment protection for writers, and her situation -- jailed without bond in a federal detention center since July 20 -- is the consequence of her refusal to hand over research notes about a sensational 1997 murder to a federal grand jury.
Back before the Constitution enshrined the principle of free speech in the very First Amendment, the French writer, wit, and philosopher Voltaire said, "I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
Doesn't that present a serious First Amendment problem?" Copyright gives writers and others the incentive to create by giving them exclusive right to their work.
David French (@DavidAFrench) is a First Amendment litigator and senior writer for National Review.
Mr. French is a First Amendment litigator and senior writer for National Review.
Also on the schedule: L.A. poet laureate Eloise Klein Healy, novelist Jamaica Kincaid, Olympian Brian Boitano, 2nd Amendment scholar Adam Winkler, mystery writer T. Jefferson Parker, memoirist Luis Rodriguez, singer Paul Anka and actress/math whiz Danica McKellar.
ERIC M. FREEDMAN Hempstead, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2001 The writer teaches First Amendment law at Hofstra University School of Law.
FLOYD ABRAMS New York, Aug. 21, 2011 The writer, a First Amendment lawyer, has represented The New York Times.
Dashiell Hammett, the mystery writer, invoked the Fifth Amendment.
