EXTENDING THE SHIELD OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE OUTSPOKEN POLICEMAN

• NCJ Number: 6378
• Journal: Criminal Law Bulletin Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (APRIL 1972) Pages: 171-205
• Author(s): L A MOODY
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 35 pages
• Corporate Author: Warren, Gorham and Lamont, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

EXAMINATION OF THE POLICEMAN'S RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT IN CRITICISM OF HIS DEPARTMENT, HIS DEPARTMENT'S POLICIES, OR HIS DEPARTMENT'S LEADERS.

Abstract

IN CASES INVOLVING INTERNAL DISSENT OR EFFORTS BY POLICE OFFICERS TO OPENLY CRITICIZE DEPARTMENTAL AFFAIRS, SOME COURTS HAVE COME TO THE RESCUE OF THE CRITICAL POLICEMEN AND HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THEY HAVE SOME RIGHTS TO FREE SPEECH. THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE DIMENSIONS OF FREE SPEECH FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND URGES THAT POLICE ADMINISTRATORS RELAX RESTRICTIVE REGULATIONS AND ALLOW PUBLIC DEBATE ON ISSUES THAT ARE VITAL TO THE COMMUNITY. AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED