Free Speech and Incitement: Defining the Limits of the First Amendment

Name: Free Speech and Incitement: Defining the Limits of the First Amendment
Start: 2026-10-19T17:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-10-19T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Private Location (sign in to display)

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Speaker Session Community Event Engaged Citizen Free event Speaker Event

Mon, Oct 19, 2026

5:30 PM – 7 PM CDT (GMT-5)

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As debates over protest, political rhetoric, social unrest, and online expression continue to shape public life, questions about the limits of free speech have become increasingly urgent. When does protected expression cross the constitutional line into unlawful incitement?

This panel discussion will explore those questions through themes from the edited volume Free Speech and Incitement in the Twenty-First Century. Featuring the book’s editors and contributors, the conversation will examine the constitutional doctrine surrounding incitement, the landmark Supreme Court case Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), and how modern controversies—from political rallies and public demonstrations to social media and the January 6 Capitol attack—have renewed debate over the meaning and limits of the First Amendment.

Panelists include Eric T. Kasper, JoAnne Sweeny, and Adam Kunz. Bringing perspectives from constitutional law, political science, and political theory, the panel will explore how democratic societies can protect robust free expression while addressing speech that may provoke imminent unlawful action.

This event is part of Free Speech Week 2026 and is free and open to the public.

Speakers

JoAnne Sweeny

University of Louisville

Eric Kasper

political science professor and director of the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies

UW-Eau Claire

Director, Menard Center for Constitutional Studies

Adam Kunz

Assistant Professor

UW-Eau Claire

Adam Kunz joined our department in Fall 2021. His scholarly interests are in contemporary political theory, existential threats to human flourishing, the limits of freedom of religion, and jurisprudence. He teaches courses on constitutional law, contemporary political theory, and the history of liberalism. A theme of his courses is translating rigorous theoretical knowledge into practices that build solidarity among citizens, temper individualism, and promote a more egalitarian society.

Hosted By

Menard Center for Constitutional Studies | Website | View More Events
Co-hosted with: Pre-Law Club, Criminal Justice Association (CJA)