Sean Williams, a 31-year-old Everman ISD middle school teacher, was arrested in 2012 after he was found to have sent sexually-related text messages to a 13-year-old student.

 

In a separate case, a Texas appeals court ruled that sexting conversations can be protected under the First Amendment, leading authorities not to pursue criminal charges against Williams.

 

"You can talk trash, you can talk disgusting things, but if you're not soliciting someone to meet you or engage in an act, then it's protected by the First Amendment," said defense attorney Jim Shaw, who also conceded that the current law is "morally wrong."

 

Texas Court: Sexting Between Student and Teacher Can Be Protected Under 1st Amendment | Fox News Insider

Tech gives law so many challenges moving forward. I think we are at the tip of the iceberg.

While its disgusting, I think he is protected under Free Speech. However, that doesn't mean its not inappropriate and he should be removed from his position if he hasn't been already.

There are gonna be a lot of teachers in Texas in harms way if some daddies find out they've been sexting their children I'm afraid.

There are gonna be a lot of teachers in Texas in harms way if some daddies find out they've been sexting their children I'm afraid.

 

That is everywhere Doc.

 

This is a nationwide issue.

That is everywhere Doc.

 

This is a nationwide issue.

 

What sexting or are you saying that all states will say it's protected under the 1st amendment?

That is everywhere Doc.

 

This is a nationwide issue.

 

Yeah, but shooting someone will be legal in Texas.

What sexting or are you saying that all states will say it's protected under the 1st amendment?

 

Yes and yes if I follow you.

 

In other words, just because the ruling was in Texas doesn't really make it Texas specific because the 1st amendment applies to all states. Other states may take a different approach but I think they will fail in the end if they battle the 1st.

That is everywhere Doc.

 

This is a nationwide issue.

I understand. Not all dads are armed like in Texas.

I understand. Not all dads are armed like in Texas.

 

I assume their are some good stats on gun ownership? I sure as heck wouldn't want to mess with most KY dads thinking specifically about guns.

I assume their are some good stats on gun ownership? I sure as heck wouldn't want to mess with most KY dads thinking specifically about guns.

I just can't agree in any shape or form with this ruling. Do you?

Yes and yes if I follow you.

 

In other words, just because the ruling was in Texas doesn't really make it Texas specific because the 1st amendment applies to all states. Other states may take a different approach but I think they will fail in the end if they battle the 1st.

 

How can they say sexting is protected, but not cyber bullying?

How can they say sexting is protected, but not cyber bullying?

 

Giving an opinion here, bullying by nature constitutes a "crime." On sexting, I think the lawyer did a good job on that one with:

 

"You can talk trash, you can talk disgusting things, but if you're not soliciting someone to meet you or engage in an act, then it's protected by the First Amendment," said defense attorney Jim Shaw, who also conceded that the current law is "morally wrong."

I just can't agree in any shape or form with this ruling. Do you?

 

Do I agree with what the teacher did? Hell no, I think he ought to have his you know what beat. However, the 1st Amendment comes first in any case like this.

Filet knife in the trunk student gets 10 days suspension and pending legal charges...sexting with 12 year old girl and the teacher is the poster boy for the 1st Amendment...:ohbrother: