The Constitutionality of the Espionage Act
Faculty Sponsor
Julia Stronks, Whitworth University
Research Project Abstract
This paper analyzes the constitutionality of the Espionage Act in the context of charges brought against Edward Snowden, a whistleblower who leaked NSA information to the press. It contains original research on precedent and Supreme Court jurisprudence, by answering an as yet unanswered, critical question: does the 1917 Espionage Act, which prevents the leaking of information considered vital for national security, violate Edward Snowden's First Amendment right to free speech, or is his right subordinate to national security? To answer this important constitutional question, this paper uses past decisions and precedent from current justices, and predicts their individual and collective responses.
Session Number
RS11
Location
Robinson 141
Abstract Number
RS11-a
The Constitutionality of the Espionage Act
Robinson 141
This paper analyzes the constitutionality of the Espionage Act in the context of charges brought against Edward Snowden, a whistleblower who leaked NSA information to the press. It contains original research on precedent and Supreme Court jurisprudence, by answering an as yet unanswered, critical question: does the 1917 Espionage Act, which prevents the leaking of information considered vital for national security, violate Edward Snowden's First Amendment right to free speech, or is his right subordinate to national security? To answer this important constitutional question, this paper uses past decisions and precedent from current justices, and predicts their individual and collective responses.
