Let Nike Stay in the Game

Does the US Constitution protect freedom of speech even when that speech is full of lies? According to this opinion piece in The New York Times, it most certainly should. Last week, however, a lawsuit was brought against Nike charging the corporation with misrepresenting its overseas factories and falsely telling the public that it was in compliance with applicable wage and safety regulations. Nike argued that the First Amendment protects its right to speak freely in its own defense, but California's highest court ruled otherwise, maintaining that the Constitution does not protect the company from charges of fraud and false advertising. Though condemning of Nike corporation, the author of this article hopes that this decision will be overturned in appeals or by the US Supreme Court. If it isn't, he worries that other companies may become hesitant to defend themselves in similar situations in the future. – YaleGlobal