Pickering v. Board of Education
1. What issue was addressed in this case?
The issue was debating whether or not school officials violate the First Amendment by terminating a teacher for writing a letter to the editor that discusses important matters of public concern.
2. Explain the basic facts about this case?
A high school science teacher had written a letter to the editor of the local newspaper criticizing the way the Board of Education was spending its money between athletics and academics. The school board then terminated the teacher, saying the letter contained false statements. The teacher sued the Board, claiming they violated the First Amendment's freedom of speech.
3. How and why did the case progress through the courts?
The case was required to be heard due to Illinois law.
4. Why was the case heard by the Supreme Court?
The case was heard because it is an important case due to the fact that it involves the Constitution.
5. What was the Court's decision in the case?
The majority vote was that the school did violate his right to freedom of speech. "While criminal sanctions and damage awards have a somewhat different impact on the exercise of the right to freedom of speech from dismissal from employment, it is apparent that the threat of dismissal from public employment is nonetheless a potent means of inhibiting speech." (Justice Thurgood Marshall)
6. How does this case impact the nation and its people?
It shows the boundaries for violation of the First Amendment.
7. What do you think about this case?
I think this case was very helpful to the rest of the world.
