Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Definition

A landmark Supreme Court case from 2010 that ruled corporations and unions have the same political speech rights as individuals under the First Amendment. This led to unlimited independent expenditures influencing elections.

Related terms

First Amendment Rights: The first amendment protects several basic freedoms including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to assemble, and right to petition government.

Corporate Personhood: The legal notion that a corporation has at least some constitutional rights like those granted to individuals.

Independent Expenditures: Political campaign communications that expressly advocate for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate but are not made in cooperation with any candidate.