From left, moderator Stephen Morrison, Kitty Bruce, attorney Paul Cambria, Jr. and comedian Lewis Black laugh in remembrance of Lenny Bruce, who was a trailblazer for protecting first amendment rights in the world of comedy. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

Because comic Lenny Bruce stood up for his first amendment rights in the world of stand-up comedy decades ago, modern artists in the craft like Lewis Black don’t have to think about whether his content will offend people.

That was the final point in a detailed discussion about the legacy of Lenny at the Robert H. Jackson Center’s Cappa Theatre on Thursday. “Comedy and the First Amendment: How Far is Too Far and Who Decides?” brought together Black; attorney Paul Cambria, Jr.; Kitty Bruce, daughter of Lenny Bruce; and moderator Stephen Morrison, who executive produced CNN’s History of Comedy series, to reflect on Lenny’s impact on comedy and the first amendment in the mid-20th century and how rights have evolved since then.

As the first amendment was often part of Jackson’s jurisprudence, the center announced they were glad to have partnered with the National Comedy Center to bring this dicussion to life. Journey Gunderson, comedy center executive director, said Lenny was both a pillar of comedy and the first amendment. The comedy center also partnered with the Lenny Bruce Memorial Foundation, which Kitty founded to combat alcohol and drug addiction.

See tomorrow’s edition of The Post-Journal for complete coverage.