Case Law Index
federal2010
Additional Highlights:First AmendmentCampaign FinanceCorporate Speech
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
Political spending by corporations and other associations is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment; the government may not restrict independent expenditures for political communications.
Case Summary
Citizens United v. FEC transformed American campaign finance law, holding that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations, associations, or labor unions.