Graduation Year

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Granting Department

Mass Communications

Major Professor

Roxanne Watson

Keywords

Citizens United, Communication, Elections, Free Speech, Law

Abstract

This study analyzes the rationale used by the Supreme Court in the 2010 case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The majority opinion and dissent were dissected and scrutinized for any weaknesses. After careful review and comparison with First Amendment theories and scholarly articles, it was found that the majority opinion and final decision were poorly reasoned and created a dangerous political communication landscape and a weakened Marketplace of Ideas.

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