The US passes a law forcing cigarette companies to put graphic anti-smoking images on their packaging and advertising. Which of the following best describes the cigarette companies first amendment rights as it regards this issue. The first amendment does not apply to forcing companies to speak (making them include a message on their packaging). It only applies if the government tries to prevent speech. Only individuals have the right to first amendment protections so the cigarette companies will have to include the images. The first amendment applies to commercial speech the same as political speech and the government can only restrict speech in very limited circumstances. Commercial speech (including packaging and advertising) is given limited first amendment protection and if sued the government will have to prove that the restriction on the cigarette companies’ packaging materially advances a substantial government interest.
