Name:
Persuasive Essay Format: Feiner v. New York (1951)
*Choose your two strongest reasons from your pro/con list and copy this
format, filling in the blanks with your supporting reasons and explanations,
as you draft on a piece of notebook paper.
Paragraph 1:
In the U.S. Supreme Court case, Feiner v. New York (1951), Mr. Feiner believed
his right to speak freely and express his political views in public was violated when the
New York police arrested him in the middle of a speech in which he encouraged the
audience to fight for their equal rights. In this case, the police (did or did not) violate
Feiner’s right to free speech because they___________________________________
____________________ and ____________________________________________.
Freedom of speech is a valuable personal right, (but should be limited or and should
not be limited) when ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.
Paragraph 2:
One reason Feiner’s right to free speech in this case (was or was not) violated is
______________________________________________________________________.
For example, ___________________________________________________________.
Another reason is ________________________________________________________.
For instance, ____________________________________________________________.
*Examples should discuss what the police did, what Feiner did, and how the crowd
reacted.
Paragraph 3:
You may think freedom of speech (was or was not) violated in this situation.
(Note: this is the opposing side’s point of view and you are going to knock it down!)
However, _______________________________________________(counter-argument!)
In fact, the right of free speech should____________________________( more counter)
(Mr. Feiner or The New York police) made the correct argument in this case because __
_______________________________________________________________________.
Freedom of speech must be (protected or limited) so that_________________________.
Furthermore, ____________________________________________________________.
The trial court’s judgment in favor of New York must be (affirmed or overturned).