Constitution Day: The Justice System in America Today
Thursday, September 17, 2026
All Day
This Constitution Day, we celebrate and reflect on the role of the First Amendment in securing freedom and liberty for all. But does that include people who are incarcerated? Let’s examine how freedom of expression is limited and fought for in the American criminal justice system and the role of natural rights in an incarcerated facility. What limits are in place in different states? Are they fair and just? How has journalism and art played powerful roles in preserving human dignity? Join us for this deep dive into prison journalism, art, and free expression for those who are not free.
About the Panelists:
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This event is part of Democracy for all Week: Freedom of Expression: Journalism, Art and Justice, a series of programs that explore the intersection of the First Amendment, freedom of expression through art, and incarceration.
This program is part of A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future, a yearlong slate of free, inclusive programs exploring the evolving meanings of liberty and justice in America. A Time for Liberty is made possible with support from civic and cultural partners including the City of Philadelphia, America250PA, Campus250, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the National Trust Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program series, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
