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Live Debate: Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?
In a high-stakes presidential election year, the nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate and the Newt and Jo Minow Debate Series at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law are taking a look at more than a decade of the Citizens United Supreme Court case. Since the 2010 landmark decision, there have been questions about whether the decision has harmed our democratic process. Those who support the decision argue it upholds free speech, allowing diverse voices in the political arena, and broadens the range of discourse by enabling groups to freely express their views and support candidates or policies. Those against it argue that it allows a disproportionate influence from corporations and special interest groups, and leaves the voices of ordinary citizens overshadowed by the financial resources of a few, eroding the principles of equality and fair representation. With more than a decade of evidence now in the post-Citizens United era, Open to Debate debates the question: “Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?”
Arguing “Yes” will be Vanderbilt law professor Francesca Procaccini, former appellate attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Stetson law professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, former counsel in the Democracy Program of the Brennan Center for Justice.
Arguing “No” will be Cahill Gordon & Reindel Senior Counsel Floyd Abrams, who represented Citizens United in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, and Gober Group partner Eric Wang, a pro bono Senior Fellow at the Institute for Free Speech who advocates for reducing the regulatory burden on clients exercising their First Amendment rights.
Event Links
Inquiries: https://go.evvnt.com/2228113-0
