Citizens United Compendium
January 27, 2010
-Given the importance of the Citizens United decision, State of Elections has created this compendium of links. Here is the complete 180+ page opinion, and a transcript of the oral arguments.
-From the Huffington Post, Joseph Palermo fears that corporations will “implant their servants at every level of municipal, state, and federal government”. Not to be outdone, Adam McKay calls the decision “assaultive and destructive to the welfare of our democracy”.
-In contrast, David Kirkpatrick at the New York Times argues that the decision will have little impact, and is not likely to result in significantly more political corruption. The online version of the New York Times also contains this sympathetic examination of Justice Stevens and his 90 page dissent.
-Politico, of course, has a number of articles about the decision. They posted this analysis of the White House’s response, and a brief look at the possible role of foreign money in post Citizens United elections. For a general overview of the decision, look at this article. For a collection of opinions on the decision, go here.
-In the aftermath of Citizens United, The Colorado Republican party is considering a lawsuit to overturn state limits on corporate and union expenses.
-Slate has posted many articles about Citizens United, including this criticism of the opinion by Rick Hasen, and this counter argument by Nathanial Persily that the decision really doesn’t change much at all.
– In the post above this compendium, professor Alan Meese shared his thoughts on Citizens United. However, professor Meese has long been writing about the regulation of corporate speech, even back in the long forgotten days of 1993.
-At last, Barbara Streisand has spoken out about the decision. The longtime Democrat and pop star says the decision opens the way to a “corporate coup d’état of America”.
-Professor Stephen Bainbridge posted this look at the common law and 14th Amendment origins of corporate personhood.
– Legal blog The Volokh Conspiracy has posted several articles about Citizens United, including this article on the relationship between money and speech, and this counter-argument to the claim that the ruling was erroneous, because corporations are state created entities.
-Marc Ambinder of the Atlantic Monthly argues that Citizens United‘s impact on politics may be relatively minimal.
-The Wall Street Journal has posted its own roundup of opinions on Citizens United. Also in the Wall Street Journal, Bradley Smith has authored this defense of the decision.
–David Schutlz, professor at Hamline University School of Business, wrote this analysis of how Citizens United will affect Minnesota.
– Even the Daily Show has weighed in on Citizens United. Watch as John Oliver celebrates the Supreme Court decision that finally awards corporations their long denied rights.
– William Van Alstyne, noted First Amendment scholar and professor at William and Mary, will post his thoughts on Citizen United on this blog. Make sure to check back on Friday to see what Van Alstyne has to say!
-This compendium is a constant work in progress. If you want your article on Citizens United to be included, or feel we missed a crucial viewpoint, send an email to editor@stateofelections.com