The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that the government will not infringe on an individual’s right to free speech or assembly, with some limitations.

Individuals across the country are now exercising and testing the limits of their First Amendment rights in government-operated facilities through what they describe as “audits,” creating serious difficulties for county officials seeking to balance the law, safety, and a functioning workplace. During the 2022 MACo Summer Conference, two legal experts will explore the issue of First Amendment “audits,” paying particular focus to their legal framework and best practices for county workers.

Title: Freedom Accountants: The Bottomline on “First Amendment Audits” 

Description: Governments at every level are experiencing increasing episodes of individuals and organizations entering public facilities requesting immediate, unfettered access to public documents. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution offers great latitude to conduct oneself in this manner, but it does have its limits. Join officials from across Maryland to discuss First Amendment audits and their Constitutional and political ramifications. 

Speakers: 

• Mark Weaver, Esq., Partner, Isaac Wiles 
• Matthew D. Peter, Esq., Senior Attorney, Local Government Insurance Trust

Moderator: The Honorable Senator Chris West   

Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm