Carlin Lives!

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear argument on the Federal Communication Commission's ruling barring the broadcast of "fleeting expletives," the Historical Society of the District of Columbia and the Federal Communications Bar Association will present "FCC Indecency Cases in the D.C. Circuit: An Historical Perspective," a panel discussion of the D.C. Circuit's indecency cases, including Pacifica, which arose out of George Carlin's "seven dirty words" monologue. The panel includes a former counsel for broadcasters (Judge Timothy B. Dyk) , a member of the FCC when it decided the Pacifica case (Professor Glen O. Robinson), and two members of the en banc court that heard important decisions on indececeny in 1995 (Senior Judge Laurence H. Silberman and former Chief Judge Patricia M. Wald). A former general counsel of the FCC will moderate the panel (Christopher Wright). It will take place at 4:15 in the Ceremonial Court, 6th Floor, E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, 3d St. & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Admission is free; no reservation is required; a reception follows the program. For more information call 202.216.7346.