Alton, Mo. – On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, WashU Law held a First Amendment clinic at Collin’s Coffee. Residents from all walks of life showed up to hear about free speech, where we can exercise our freedoms, and how. Without going into specific details, many questions arose, getting the audience thinking.
Where Can We Speak?
In a general sense, Ben Wilson spoke on speaking in public places, like parks, sidewalks, streets, government buildings, and meeting rooms. How far can free speech go unhindered? Most places do allow for free speech and the passing out of flyers. However, when larger groups are involved, or when loud noises are made in the morning or evening hours, free speech can be limited.
Limitations
Although we have free speech, we should not abuse it. We cannot use a bullhorn at 5:00 am while walking through town. We cannot get a large group of people together and block traffic. Now, some of these can be allowed with appropriate permits.
Additionally, one does not have permission to disrupt government offices while people are working.
The government, or a business owner, can limit the time, place, and manner of any speech activities. They can limit the volume. This is out of respect to all. The restrictions do need to apply to everyone. One cannot restrict a certain political group without using the same restrictions on all of them.
Allow
The First Amendment does allow debate on public issues. This should be uninhibited and wide-open.
As technology changes, laws need to be thought through regarding free speech on social media and other technology platforms.
