Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission [2010]
558 U.S. 310 (2010) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Issue
May government restrict independent political expenditures by corporations?
Held
No. Such restrictions violated the First Amendment.
Exam use
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.
Summary
Leading campaign finance and political speech case.
Facts
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
Essay-Ready Explanation Generator
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Reference to Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (558 U.S. 310 (2010)) strengthens a constitutional law answer because the case reflects the principle that Independent political expenditures receive strong First Amendment protection. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as May government restrict independent political expenditures by corporations? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.
Significance
Related Cases
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Exam Tips
Revision Checklist
- Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
- State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
- Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
- Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.