Amendment Quote by Floyd Abrams
“When I began we did not really have a lot of First Amendment law. It is really surprising to think of it this way, but a lot of the law - most of the law that relates to the First Amendment freedom of the press in America - is really within living memory.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on First Amendment history, 1990s
The modern First Amendment press freedoms are relatively recent, developing within living memory.
In simple terms: Press freedoms are newer than we think.
Recognize the recent origins of press rights.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism education
- legal advocacy
- policy making
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this recent history affect current press debates?
- What implications does this have for future legal protections?
The quote may overlook earlier, less documented press freedoms.