A television station aired a broadcast containing insulting remarks about a local official.The official had the broadcaster arrested and charged under a state statute that prohibited making defamatory statements on public officials.The broadcaster argued that the statute was in conflict with the U.S. Constitution's guaranty of free speech.The public official countered that the statute was legal and enforceable.

a.Can states enact laws that limit free speech?

b.If so, in what situations would they be allowed to do so?

c.Can a state statute be in conflict with the U.S. Constitution?

d.Does the official have a case for slander, libel, and or defamation of character?Why or why not on each count?