Lenny Bruce: The Last Convicted Comedian

On the 20th anniversary of his pardon for "word crimes," Lenny Bruce remains an important free speech icon and a hero to comedians everywhere. FIRE's Chief Counsel Bob Corn-Revere reflects on the legacy of the legendary comedian, as well as his and Ronald K.L. Collins' efforts to secure a posthumous pardon for Bruce — who died penniless of a drug overdose after being convicted for violating New York obscenity and indecency laws. While the pardon came too late to help Bruce, it is a recognition by the state that criminalizing someone for their speech is a violation of individual rights and free expression. Support FIRE today: https://www.theFIRE.org/donate