The First Amendment continues to ignite passionate debate two centuries after its ratification. Where is the line between protected expression and harmful speech? How do we balance individual liberty with the need to protect against abuse? In "Free Speech and Human Dignity," Professor Steven J. Heyman offers a compelling framework for navigating these complex questions, centering his analysis on the often-overlooked concept of human dignity. Heyman's central thesis is that free speech should be understood primarily through the lens of human dignity. Thus, First Amendment considerations necessarily go beyond promoting the marketplace of ideas or facilitating democratic discourse (though those are important goals). Instead, the discourse around First Amendment issues should recognize every individual's inherent worth and capacity for autonomy and self-expression. This dignity-centered approach provides a powerful lens for understanding the value of free speech and its n...