In a high-stakes presidential election year, the nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate (formerly known as Intelligence Squared U.S.) and the Newt and Jo Minow Debate Series at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law are taking a look at more than a decade of the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court case (Citizens United v. FEC), which determined the first amendment prohibits the government from restricting corporations from spending money on political campaigns.
Since the 2010 landmark decision, there have been questions about whether the decision has harmed our democratic process. Those who support the decision argue it upholds free speech, allowing diverse voices in the political arena and broadens the range of discourse by enabling groups to freely express their views and support candidates or policies. Those against the decision argue that it allows a disproportionate influence from corporations and special interest groups and leaves the voices of ordinary citizens overshadowed by the financial resources of a few, eroding the principles of equality and fair representation.
Open to the public, the debate, "Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?" will be presented in person and streamed live in the Law School's Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago Ave., in Chicago at 5 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
