jan 1, 2011 - 2011 Arizona Freedom PAC v Bennett

Description:

The Supreme Court struck down part of a publicly funded state election system in Arizona. Arizona publicly funds candidates running for state offices, and one provision allows for candidates to receive extra funding if an opponent who is privately financed outspends them.

In a tight 5-4 vote, the Court ruled this latter provision to be unconstitutional. Attempts by the government to 'level the playing field' of political speech by funding one side over another, was deemed to be against the spirit of the First Amendment.

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