Citizens United gives free speech a high price

By Associate Clinical Professor Jessica Levinson

This op-ed originally appeared on Politico.

As election 2012 progresses, there's continuing hubbub about the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, which paved the way for super PACs. Proponents of campaign-finance laws see the ruling as opening the floodgates for unlimited, often undisclosed, money to overwhelm our political system. Opponents view it as a victory of free speech over government regulation.

Where does the truth lie? While super PACs may be "speaking" up a storm, it's now difficult to hear anyone else. That can't be good in a representative democracy, which has long prided itself on protecting free speech.

A quick tour through the campaign-finance law landscape demonstrates there is much to be concerned about -- unless you're a wealthy donor or well-funded corporation.

Read the complete story here.