Litigation

Brief Examines Aftermath of ?Citizens United?

By Peter Hardin

The Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling is so far-reaching that it has “re-ordered the priorities in our democracy,” campaign finance expert Monica Youn of the Brennan Center for Justice writes in a new issue brief.

In “Citizens United: The Aftermath,” released by the American Constitution Society, Youn examines public reaction, how the ruling may influence upcoming elections, and potential answers to cap a gusher of corporate dollars into electoral politics. She writes that the decision will affect all elections for years to come:

“The 5-4 decision undermined 100 years of law that restrained the role of special interests in elections. By holding for the first time, that corporations have the same First Amendment rights to engage in political spending as people, the Supreme Court re-ordered the priorities in our democracy – placing special interest dollars at the center of our democracy, and displacing the rightful role of voters.”

The Brennan Center is a partner of Justice at Stake.

When the high court issued its ruling, Justice at Stake said the decision posed grave dangers to America?s elected state courts. You can read the JAS statement by clicking here, or click here to see the JAS amicus brief in the case.

Full post as published by The Gavel on June 08, 2010 (boomark / email).