In recognition of Free Speech Week, The Media Institute and its First Amendment Advisory Council presented a First Amendment Seminar in Washington on Oct. 25 featuring two panels and guest speaker Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Above, the first panel featured (seated from left) Floyd Abrams, Susan Benesch, Rebecca MacKinnon, and Patrick Maines.  Michael O’Leary (far left) of the Motion Picture Association of America, which hosted the event, introduced the participants.

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The second panel of the Oct. 25 event featured moderator Bruce Brown (far left) with panelists Terry Adamson, Bruce Gottlieb, Ashley Messenger, and Barbara Wall.

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Sen. Patrick Leahy stressed the importance of the First Amendment to democracy in his opening remarks.