Freedom of Speech

Silvia, an attorney in Florida, also was a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) and a certified financial planner (CFP). Silvia placed an ad in the yellow pages listing her credentials, including the CPA and CFP designations. The Florida Board of Accountancy reprimanded Silvia for using both the CPA and CFP credentials in an ad essentially emphasizing her legal work. Silvia challenged the board's right to issue this reprimand. What is the legal basis for Silvia's challenge? Explain.

Other retail businesses in the mall in which your sports shoes shop is located have decided to open on Sundays from 12 noon to 6p.m. You decide to follow suit, but two of your employees refuse to go along, saying it is against their religious beliefs to work on the Sabbath. You terminate their employment. They apply for unemployment compensation, and contend their unemployed status is your fault. If the state grants them benefits, you will be penalized since your unemployment compensation taxes will go up.

• Should you contest their claim?
• What would be the result if the employees refuse to work on Sunday because of their desire to play golf on that day?