Gitlow v. New York

Benjamin Gitlow was charged with the teaching of the duty to overthrow the government. His teachings which were based on Marx and Engles Communist Manifesto violated the 1902 New York Criminal Anarchy Act. The Court ruled to keep Gitlow convicted with a 7 to 2 vote. Their decision to keep him convicted I believe was the right decision. I dont feel that its alright for an individual to try and teach people that its their duty to overthrow our government.

Although the 1st Amendment protects the freedom of speech and technically gives Gitlow the right to express how he feels over the government it may put people in danger. His teachings may cause riots to break out and therefore endangers others. Therefore "subversive speech" is not protected from government regulation.