Anthony M. Kennedy
Role at the time: Supreme Court associate justice, writing the majority opinion
Defended or excused
Statement summary
Kennedy's majority permits disclosure and disclaimer requirements but rejects suppressing corporate political speech.
“The Government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether.”
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)Citizens United: Kennedy opinion of the CourtOpening and Parts III-IV
The opinion protects independent corporate and union political spending while permitting disclosure and disclaimer requirements.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Why we used this label
Kennedy's majority upholds protection for corporate political speech. Allowing disclosure requirements does not reverse that support for the ruling.