Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission [2010]
558 U.S. 310 (2010) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Summary
Leading campaign finance and political speech case.
Facts
A nonprofit corporation challenged restrictions on independent electioneering communications.
Issue
May government restrict independent political expenditures by corporations?
Held
No. Such restrictions violated the First Amendment.
Ratio Decidendi
Independent political expenditures receive strong First Amendment protection.
Reasoning
Political speech does not lose protection because the speaker is a corporation.
Significance
Leading campaign finance and political speech case.
Related Cases
No related cases listed.
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.