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Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

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September 24, 2007
Judge Tom
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Free speech – should the President of Iran be allowed to speak at an American university?

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The country of Iran is accused of sponsoring terrorist organizations around the world. Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a Holocaust-denier and has called for the elimination of the state of Israel.

He has been invited to speak at Columbia University in New York today, September 24, 2007. Protests against his appearance are planned and the debate has heated up on both sides of the free speech issue.

Photo from Lonely Planet

What do you think? Is there merit in hearing from a world leader regardless of his or her record and views of human rights? Should a public figure be denied a forum in this country because we disagree with the practices and policies of a foreign country? Or should a university campus be a free marketplace of ideas where all views may be calmly aired and debated? Does protest also fit into the equation? Aren’t these all pieces of the puzzle we call democracy?

Update:  In June, 2009, Ahmadinejad was re-elected President of Iran in a contentious election. Riots and demonstrations by thousands of Iranians of all ages went on for several days after the election.

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The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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