Freedom of Speech or Treason

A Web Quest for High School

By

Yvonne Calderón

CalderonEstevez @aol.com

INTRODUCTION

TRAITOR!! That is what the New York Post called Mr. Isanu Dyson on October 15^th. Mr. Dyson, a fifth generation American who converted to Islam wants to join the jihad against the United States. We have just learned that Mr. Dyson has been speaking ill of the United States and has been publicly praising Osama Bin Laden. He has been flying the Islamic flag and handing out Islamic propaganda to anyone who will take it. People in his community are outraged and have begun to congregate in front of his home. There have been several exchanges of inflammatory comments from both sides. He has taken to carrying a sword and dagger after Sept. 11 “for protection”. We have now read that the Portland police department has arrested Mr. Dyson on treason and inciting riot.

TASK

Your task will be to determine if Mr. Dyson’s right of free speech has been violated, or can he be held and tried for treason and inciting riot. You will research court cases on freedom of speech and act as part of either Mr. Dyson’s defense team or as the prosecution.

PROCESS

You will be divided into groups of four. Each group will:

• First complete an analysis of Feiner v N.Y. from the Project Legal case library
• Using the CompuLegal method, complete a similar analysis of the case against Mr. Dyson
• Either be part of the defense team or the prosecuting team
• Research the issue of freedom of speech, and treason
• Use the websites listed in your research
• All “defense” teams and “prosecuting” teams will join to become one defense and one prosecuting team and pool all information gathered
• Each team will prepare their case “for” or “against” Mr. Dyson
• Each team will select the “lawyers” who will present their case to the judge (me)

RESOURCES

www.Findlaw.com

www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal

http://supt.law.cornell.edu./supct/

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/fos/

EVALUATION

Students will be evaluated using the following rubric:

Grade of A

• Shows thorough understanding of the topic
• Addresses all aspects of the task
• Shows ability to analyze, evaluate, compare/contrast issues
• Richly supports topic with relevant facts, examples, and details
• Presents a strong and well organized “case”

Grade of B

• Shows a good understanding of the topic
• Addresses all aspects of the task
• Shows ability to analyze, evaluate issues
• Includes relevant facts, examples, and details, but not support all aspects of the “case”
• Presents an organized “case”

Grade of C

• Presents satisfactory understanding of the topic
• Addresses most aspects of the task
• Able to analyze issues and events, but not in depth
• Uses some relevant facts, examples, and details
• Presents “case”, but not very organized

Grade of D

• Shows little understanding of topic
• Attempts to address topic, but uses vague and/or inaccurate information
• Uses little facts, examples, or details
• Cannot present an acceptable “case”

CONCLUSION

As a result of this Quest you have learned about your freedom of speech. Is this freedom extended to those residing in the United States but not necessarily a citizen? Should it be extended to everyone as long as they are on U.S. soil? If not what should be done with those who speak against the U.S? Continue your research and decide for yourself!

Standards Addressed

ELA- 1, 2a,3b,3c,4

Social Studies- 4