VIDEO: Engaging the Courts: Guns, Gays, and Lying Politicians

On April 22, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case of Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus. At issue is the constitutionality of criminalizing political speech. Should a politician be punished for lying? Joined by H. L. Mencken Research Fellow P. J. O’Rourke, Cato’s brief supports the SBA List and reminds the Court of the important role that “truthiness” plays in American politics, and the importance of satire and spin more broadly.

In this month’s Sponsor e-Briefing, Ilya Shapiro, senior fellow in constitutional studies, will join us to look at this upcoming case and others in which the Cato Institute has filed amicus briefs. From the Second Amendment to same-sex marriage bans, Ilya and his colleagues have weighed in. Ilya will discuss these issues, explain the influence amicus briefs have on the courts’ decisions, and take your questions on all things constitutional law.