First Amendment and Social Media

As social media becomes more and more prevalent in everyday American life, we have to reevaluate the way that the first amendment applies to these medias. People post their thoughts on websites like Facebook or Twitter, without thinking about the consequences of what their saying. It is second nature to vent your feelings on Facebook when you are upset about someone or something, without taking into consideration the people who can see and share these comments. It is common practice for future or current employers to look at an employees social media account.

Sally Bercow, the wife of the Speaker of the UK Parliament, has recently been sued for accusing Lord McAlpine of sexual abuse against a child on her Twitter account. Mrs. Bercow lost the case and is warning others to be cautious of what they say on the internet. Cases like Bercow vs. McAlpine will most likely become more and more common.  To read about the case, go to the link below:

Sally Bercow's Libellous Tweet