The Internet has become the greatest library ever. With the good comes the bad, however. In particular, some concerned citizens are worried that children can too easily access websites containing inappropriate material such as pornography or racial propaganda. Several solutions to this perceived problem have emerged. One is indirect censorship through federal or state laws that criminalize the transmission of pornographic material online. Another possibility is federal or state laws requiring the use of so-called filtering programs when children are involved. In either case, the battle lines are drawn. Civil libertarian groups and other free speech advocates want no censorship. Concerned parent groups think differently. How do you feel about this issue? Why? Defend your position using concrete examples.

Possible Site Trips:

The Council of State Governments is a good source for information on state responses to federalism issues at http://www.csg.org/index.aspx