Goodman cited the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brandenburg vs. Ohio, where the court ruled that, because of First Amendment protections, the government can't punish inflammatory speech unless it is intended to incite imminent lawless action. 

"If [Wayne State] wanted to do a secure taping or recording of some sort, they shouldn't do it where the public has access," Goodman said. "I don't think they have that right. That infringes on the First Amendment. For example, if a television station is interviewing a politician and someone wants to tell him they're a crook, then they have a right to. They should've moved, re-taped it or just asked them to leave."

Adding to the irony of it all, said McGuire, is the fact that he's a Wayne State law school grad who recently passed the bar exam. The day after being arrested, he said, he appeared at Wayne County Circuit Court — for his swearing-in ceremony. 

This story was reported by editorial intern Ryan Felton. News Hits is edited by Curt Guyette. Contact the column at 313-202-8004, or at NewsHits@metrotimes.com.

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