The Freedom of Expression Scholars Conference (FESC) is an annual event at Yale Law School hosted by the Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression.
Scholars and practitioners come together to discuss works-in-progress on the freedoms of speech, expression, press, association, petition, and assembly; as well as on related issues of knowledge and information policy. FESC has become a fixture on the calendar of leading First Amendment thinkers nationwide. Over fifty leading First Amendment scholars and practitioners are expected to attend this year’s event. The paper titles and attendees from prior conferences are available here: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Each accepted paper is assigned a discussant, who provides feedback and leads a discussion. Participants are expected to read papers in advance, and to attend the entire conference. Workshop sessions are typically lively discussions among authors, discussants, and participants. While anyone is welcome to apply to participate in the conference, attendance is by invitation only.