What exactly is 'Freedom of Speech'?

Question

Like, what rights does 'Freedom of Speech' grant?

What are it's limits?

Does it protect you from criticism? Etc.

No seriously, i need to know. Also, please the question has no relation to the Charlie Hebdo tragedies; i just want a clear definition of what freedom of speech means.

Pls, no Lib vs Con/Christian vs Muslim baiting; let's have a civil discussion. Thanks :)

Answer 1

Exactly why do the Oscars also exist? It helps it be seem like some have worked harder than other folks when there really isn't a measure for just how hard someone works because of it. If it's exactly about giving the award for the most talented, then of training course all whites could be nominated due to white audience relating more with a white actor's efficiency than black celebrities. Same would select black audiences as well as the so-called "black" motion pictures. I can say there are a variety of films that we have absolutely adored with black actors because I really could relate to these and thought the particular acting was first-rate while white critics panned them. So when it precipitates to it, the black view of things actually doesn't matter because whites just about own what will be photographed, filmed, and also written. There's too many whites in handle of everything regarding Al Sharpton or perhaps anyone other african american person to matter these days. So at this aspect, the only reason Sharpton is at the news is always to make white people speak about him.

Answer 2

Freedom of speech in the U.S. is a civil right explicitly guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A simplistic summary is: you have a legally protected right to say whatever you want in the public sphere, providing what you say (and how you say it) doesn't threaten or endanger others, or infringe their rights.



It starts to get complicated when the courts have to balance protected speech against "compelling societal interests". So some interesting limitations on freedom of speech include the rulings that:

- Lying to a federal agent is a federal crime

- Unsubstantiated claims that a product treats or cures a medical condition are forbidden, no matter how sincerely believed by the promoter

- Government may regulate the time, place and manner (but not content) of expression, thus excluding or containing protest activity in designated zones.

Answer 3

First Amendment: Freedom of Speech (1791)



This clause prohibits the government from banning speech because it does not agree with the message. The Founders saw free speech as a natural right. In Federalist No. 10, James Madison pointed to freedom of speech as a vital aspect of a healthy republic. While originally written to apply to actions of the federal government, the Supreme Court incorporated it into state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment in the case Gitlow v. New York (1925)



The English Bill of Rights includes a precursor to the First Amendment’s protection of free speech, but while the English Bill of Rights provided for free speech in Parliament, the First Amendment expanded the protection to an individual right of all citizens.



The Alien and Sedition Acts, which outlawed any speech that was critical of government, presented the first challenge to freedom of speech in the early republic. Supreme Court cases centering on freedom of speech include Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), Bethel v. Fraser (1986), and Texas v. Johnson (1989).



Freedom of speech in a self-governing society demands that citizens act with moderation, respect, and responsibility. People like Frederick Douglass, Mary Beth Tinker and Martin Luther King, Jr. have all exercised and fought for the right to freedom of speech.

Answer 4

In simplest terms:



Freedom of speech is only the right to legal speech without government censure.

It's not any right to anything proscribed by law as being illegal speech.

i.e.: things such as perjury, defamation, slander, etc.



Because governments can make, change and abolish laws, specific details of what is or isn't legal to say varies from nation to nation for countries that have free speech rights.

There's no single, universal listing that everyone agrees on.

Answer 5

Freedom of Speech is to say whatever you with no consequences.This is the meaning of the word 'Free' in that there are no restraints.But of course 'freedom' is itself something that contradicts the idea of 'society' or 'civilization' since they require laws a.k.a restrictions.In fact the very thought that such freedoms exist is fallacious.People keep saying that we DO have freedom of speech but with some restriction- but this statement contradicts itself since being restricted means you are not free.If one were to send a death threat to the president , freedom of speech will not save you.Also by giving people freedom to say hurtful and inciteful things you are taking away the other persons liberty and right to live happily in society without psychological or emotional injury.Contrary to modern views Freedom is actually a bad thing because most people do not deserve freedom.A wise man knows that if given a choice between good and evil most people will choose evil because the path to paradise is filled with dislikable things such as patience,subjugation of animal desires and abstinence whereas the road to evil is filled with all sorts of desires.A 'Free society' is an oxymoron just as much as having a 'society based on individualism'.These things are virtually incompatible because in any society the citizens are governed by some laws from a higher authority.'Some 'freedom' may be given but it is necessary to stop people from openly displaying vulgarity. Some say freedom should be allowed but every citizen should be responsible is in fact a foolish thing to do since most people are emotional and irresponsible- infact most people prefer to delegate their responsibility to someone else.

Answer 6

I will not try to explain something to you that should be evident by the very nature of being a human being. However part of your query is annoyingly inane and I am compelled comment on your question regarding criticism. Of course there is not protection from this. You would be preventing the other person's freedom of speech.

Answer 7

A direct, concise answer on Yahoo is basically impossible. The US Supreme Court has been interpreting, explaining, defining and contemplating the 1st Amendment right to free speech for about 200 years now. Law school students spend, typically, about 1/2 a semester studying JUST free speech. It is way too complex an issue to be explained here.

Answer 8

Freedom of Speech is not really nice. It is a socialist thing. What you want to look at is the freedom of expression. Why is it a "socialist thing"? It is where the community has a voice and they say that is a freedom of speech but it is not an American one. A person can say what they want when they want with their own voice and opinions that are independent from the community. That is what is different.

Answer 9

Well it isn't, the right to offend depends on if you have a motive for defending the unemancipated who are virtuous yet social esteem is granted to those who slur, offend... (the (unwise) emancipated feel that to express their emancipation then freedom of speech is their right to offend the powerless, this is a (currently) acceptable crassness which is known as incitement to hatred) numpty power chatting **** and cajoling others against you if you are on the side of angels is mitigation cited and socially agreed and influence within such social groups increases in order to be humourless, gain serotonin boosts through low (or no) risk lies that are targetted to humiliate and affirm the social influence gained through such Maoist bonding, the emancipated have a duty to defend freedom of speech, the virtuous have a duty to exercise their freedom of speech and bad seeds can become fanatics and a risk to national security.

Answer 10

Society has created standards and restrictions and many of these are created by laws. If you want to change laws in society you can protest peacefully or through the media. Thus we have given more equality to minority , women in society gays etc.

What you cannot do is murder others in society because you think the law needs changing or that your beliefs have been insulted.

If you agree with the latter you have a society where people are afraid and a society built of fear and dictatorship. Getting the balance right is not easy but as we evolve and we learn to live together with different views and opinions.

Answer 11

Freedom of speech, as used in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, means that **CITIZENS** of the U.S.A. may say anything about any Federal government "official", regulation, law, bill, proposed bill, in short, the citizen may make any comment and any opinion about anything Federal without fear of Federal reprisal.

There is NO warranty that one may be free from being offended, criticized,or any other thing that the political correctness outfit seems to be able to find hidden somewhere in, "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech..."

For your convenience, I have included that amendment in its entirety below:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Answer 12

freedom is a lie , for example having the ultimate freedom of speech can make you say anything about anyone , you think that nothing is holding you back but actually you are just a slave to your desires and inner complications , so let us follow the laws and rules and respect each other / the freedom of speech is having the ability to say/write anything as long as you are not hurting a group or an individual

Answer 13

Freedom of speech is as the words would have you think otherwise it's phoney baloney. Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak. Governments should not have powers to limit the discrimination made only in mind or voice, so long as the speech does not interfere with others too adversely, we should have the ability to live our own lives without interference. They should instead punish those who insert themselves too much into the lives of others such that it hampers quality of life and freedom.

Answer 14

Freedom of speech means the extreme right of speaking according to one's wish without causing harm to others.

Answer 15

Freedom of speech means more than just a right. You can say what you want and that's what it means.

Answer 16

"Freedom of Speech" is a political concept, and therefore, it's meaning cannot be divorced from the political realities of any given country. In some, it means the ability to say virtually anything you want, short of open and malicious telling of lies (Slander), the distribution of national security secrets, inciting violence and insurrection or otherwise endangering the public (yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theater, for example), etc.



In others the view is more truncated, and it means saying what you want so long as it isn't blatantly hurtful to others (making racist or homophobic statements, for example). It varies from country to country.



In a country like the USA, the definition of permissible speech is very broad, and in European nations, like France, it's more narrowly construed.

Answer 17

the constitution is the law the government has to follow (is suppose to follow) government cannot arrest or punish you in anyway for anything you say there were no exemptions granted to the government in the constitution therefore their are no exemptions to freedom of speech. The government has to follow the constitution individual citizens do not, private property holders can make their own rules for what your allowed to say on their property, if you yell fire in a crowded movie theater the government cannot punish you but the property owners of the movie theater can, they can kick you out of the theater and bar you from going again if they want.

the only limitations on freedom of speech is what you can say when your on private property you can say whatever you want on public property or while on your own property

Answer 18

The expression "Freedom of speech" refers to the freedom of a citizen to voice her or his opinion on all kinds of things in all kinds of ways. Like all freedoms, it's extent is of necessity limited to some extent.



The basic democratic principle relating to freedom would be to limit the freedom of one person to where it limits the freedom of others. The same principle would apply to speech. So it would be reasonable for example to prohibit freedom to incite people to violence, or to preach hatred.



Different cultures apply different limits. In some countries blasphemy is illegal, as it was in the UK until fairly recently (I think it may still be technically illegal in Scotland and Northern Ireland).



Article 19 of the Universal declaration of Human Rights states that: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

Answer 19

You can't define freedom of speech, since it means different things to different people in different places. You can, however, define it in a legal context.

The US Constitution is deliberately vague, only saying in the 1st Amendment that, "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech." It was left to the Supreme Court to determine what exactly that entais http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#Freedom_of_speech

Answer 20

Speaking to the US concept of Freedom of Speech, it means that you are free to say what you want without repercussions from the GOVERNMENT. It means that you can criticize the government without fear of punishment - being jailed, killed, disappearing... You are NOT free from being criticized yourself, however. You can say anything you want (with certain limits), but so can anyone else meaning that they can tell you what they think of what you said. That is where many people get their panties in a twist in the US. They say something hateful or hurtful, get called out on it, and then cry "Freedom of Speech." Yes, they have the freedom to say something mean, but they are not free from the consequences other people decide - like not patronizing their business for example.



The limits on free speech come in the form of calls to violence, inciting riots, making threats, spreading lies (libel and slander) - things like that. For instance, the KKK is free to march and say that hate everyone not like them, but they are not free to stand up and say, "I hate so and so. Let's go kill so and so." They are also not free to encourage someone else to kill so and so.

Answer 21

The answer can be made clear, but it is basically a law in society, and as such can be exploited, abused, and twisted around in all kinds of ways. Most of all these matters have been debated since history began, and now we have a vast store of philosophy, religion, traditions, and these form a voice. To find your own voice, you can not rely on the laws and customs, nor any protection at all.

Answer 22

You have the freedom of saying what you want without the government stopping you. People who disagree with you have the right to disagree, since they also have freedom of speech.



People who think freedom of speech means the right to say anything without being challenged or criticized are delusional.

Answer 23

it is able to speak to anyone negative for positive regardless what anyone thinks it is wrong. We have the right to express ourselves without having soap in our mouths. That includes racial or hate or otherwise. That is what the hippie generation was when I was a flower child in the early 60's. We found for freedom of expression. I have the right to say anything to anyone, including the president that is what America is about.

Answer 24

The First Admendment. It means you could say what you can say as long as you are kind to the government . So if someone tells you not to curse you can't say freedom of speech as an excuse.

Answer 25

Freedom of Speech (FOS) is the freedom to express yourself, about anything. It doesn't protect syou from criticism, since FOS extends to everybody, so everybody has the right to express their opinion about your opinion and the circle goes on and on.

Answer 26

By definition of the terms, and the bill of rights, freedom of speech means anything you say is protected. Dont get confused though the "Justice system" is adamantly opposed to facts.

Answer 27

It means different things to different people, and always has done, throughout political history. That is about as much as you can say as a generality.



"Needful Sinner" has given a list which might cover some of the laws in some countries at the moment, but there can never be a simple universal explanation such as you seek. Indeed, as he says: "What is Obscene?"

Answer 28

Among other cherished values, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. The U.S. Supreme Court often has struggled to determine what exactly constitutes protected speech. The following are examples of speech, both direct (words) and symbolic (actions), that the Court has decided are either entitled to First Amendment protections, or not.



Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment. "Speech" is not limited to public speaking and is generally taken to include other forms of expression.The First Amendment states, in relevant part, that:



“Congress shall make no law...abridging freedom of speech.

”Freedom of speech includes the right:



Not to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag).



Of students to wear black armbands to school to protest a war



To use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages.



To contribute money (under certain circumstances) to political campaigns.



To advertise commercial products and professional services (with some restrictions).



To engage in symbolic speech, (e.g., burning the flag in protest).



Freedom of speech does not include the right:



To incite actions that would harm others (e.g., “[S]hout[ing] ‘fire’ in a crowded theater.”).



To make or distribute obscene materials.



To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest.



To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration.



Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event.



Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event.

Answer 29

I'm not a human rights expert, but here's what I think about limits: you are free to say whatever you want as long as you are not limiting someone else's rights. For example you are free to express your negative opinion on someone (eg. tell your colleagues at work that you think X is a colossal butthole), but you are not free to disrespect that person's right to human dignity (eg. make humiliating picutres of X in photoshop and send it to everyone at the workplace).

Answer 30

It simply means that legally you can say what ever you want. The right to say it does not imply you will suffer no repercussions for doing so. There is also the consideration of simply because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Answer 31

Freedom of speech basically means you are free to speak out whatever you want to say.. however there are different levels of freedom of speech controls which differs for different countries. like in the US you are free to scold vulgarities and so on.. but perhaps in other countries its considered as a crime. you will get arrested if you scold vulgarities in other countries that has controlled freedom of speech or probably voicing out your opinions on politicians or president of state. it can be anything

Answer 32

You just exercized it. In some countries, just the question would get you in big trouble.The answerers exercised their speech rights also.



As long as a person does not lie, slander, threaten, then they are within limits of the law.

Answer 33

Freedom of Speech, in the U.S., means that the Government cannot punish or censor speech.

Answer 34

Freedom of speech is being able to Speak your mind without being politically correct.

Answer 35

we are doing this in school. Its where you have a right to say what you want but it has limitations because threats are illegal so its not really freedom of speech its limitation of speech.

Answer 36

evry freedom has a limet for example i punch on your face i will say thats my freedom. Your freedom is to deffend yourself. So serten speech are prohibited such as speech of heatry

Answer 37

Freedom of Speech means expression without the fear of oppression

Answer 38

freedom of speech means saying your own opinion but yes there is a limit.

Answer 39

The freedom to speak freely in a public space and hold demonstrations and like that.

Answer 40

"Like, what rights does 'Freedom of Speech' grant?"



That's rather vague, but that's not to say you penned it that way by design for discussion's sake... so:

Freedom of Speech can mean any of 101 different things.



The obvious is one is free to say anything one so desires. Period.

This is the literal translation.



"Freedom of Speech" legally has as many definitions are there are Nations and in turn jurisdictions in this world; what I am legally allowed to say here in Canada differs from what I'm legally allowed to say in the USA nd in turn what I'm legally allowed to say in North America would get me put up against a wall and shot elsewhere - keeping in mind we're only talking 'legal defination' here.



Neither in Canada or the USA, both big on personal freedoms is that Freedom of Speech absolute - it never has been albeit many seem to this it literally means they can say anything they so desire.

Say the word 'bomb' at an airport and let me know how that works out for you.

Slander or libel someone, same result.

Tell someone to their face they are a *insert cuss words here*... you'll get punched in the face.



There most definitely is Freedom of Speech literally - while at the same time the use of that freedom is what makes it a right or wrong. Jack Daniels whiskey is legit, being of age possession of is legit, etc... it's what you do with the freedom that determines correct usage from incorrect usage; same logic applies to thought and expression.



"Like, what rights does 'Freedom of Speech' grant?"



I'm going to take a random shot in the dark and figure you from the USA, haha here's hoping anyways, most are. Here are some examples of your rights [and wrongs]:



Freedom of speech includes the right:



Not to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag).

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943).

Of students to wear black armbands to school to protest a war (“Students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.”).

Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

To use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages.

Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971).

To contribute money (under certain circumstances) to political campaigns.

Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976).

To advertise commercial products and professional services (with some restrictions).

Virginia Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Consumer Council, 425 U.S. 748 (1976); Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977).

To engage in symbolic speech, (e.g., burning the flag in protest).

Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989); United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990).



Freedom of speech does not include the right:



To incite actions that would harm others (e.g., “[S]hout[ing] ‘fire’ in a crowded theater.”).

Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919).

To make or distribute obscene materials.

Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).

To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest.

United States v. O’Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).

To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration.

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event.

Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event.

Morse v. Frederick, __ U.S. __ (2007).

http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/get-involved/constitution-activities/first-amendment/free-speech.aspx



Interesting isn't it, eg "To make or distribute obscene materials"

Well, what exactly... does that mean? What is, 'obscene'?

*goes to research that law by definition...*



See what I mean, this could be one VERY long Answer haha. :)

Answer 41

freedom of speech is the freedom to talk about whatever you wish to talk about without anyone stopping you. there are some countries e.g. North Korea where you are not allowed to speak about whatever you want to.

Answer 42

Freedom of speech is giving you opinion without problems. Not hatefully but tactfully give you thoughts and not worry about being hurt.

Answer 43

It means many things to many people and cultures.

My own feelings is to be able to voice my own thoughts without someone jumping down my throat as it were----but saying this used with discretion my own that is not to incite violence or mock someone. Other language can be used or drawings for that matter without insulting people.

Answer 44

freedom of spech prevents our words alone getting us in legal trouble. I don't put a spin on this, keep it simple, I always say.

Answer 45

The freedom to use your vocal chords and mouth to create words et cetera

Answer 46

that depends on who you ask. to me freedom of speech means freedom of expression. you shouldnt be censored because you may offend someone. however, you shouldnt be aboe to yell "bomb" when you are on a plane or "fire" to cause a panic that could end up killing people. you are free to criticize public officials without fear of punishment.

Answer 47

You can stripe yourself if you want. But should you want if if it offends someone? So is freedom of speech .

Answer 48

Freedom of Speech = You EAT UR OWN ****

Answer 49

It refers to citizens being able to participate in political debate and to criticise the law, the government and political leaders without fear that they will be persecuted as a consequence.



It does not mean that everyone can say anything they like - freedom of speech does not mean freedom to lie, defraud, breach copyright, defame or to outrage moral sensibilities (unless doing so is inherent in doing the above).

Answer 50

"The right to express one's opinions and ideas."

Answer 51

1

Answer 52

I guess Freedom of speech today is manipulated, you can't call someone black, fat etc because he'll sue you. But you can attack religions like Christianity and Islam and destroy the images of their Gods, harming nations and call it freedom of speech. It's unclear and there are no justifications for hurting nations and insulting them under such laws. There should be standard limits to protect people from harming each others feelings using such legal rights.

Answer 53

Constitutional free speech under the 1 st. Amend. allows a person to voice "political" opinions in public or in a public forum without interference for other people or the government.

This allows a person to express his/her political opinion for or against an issue or political candidate.



Free speech is still restricted in such cases as,you can"t yell fire in a crowded room if there is no fire.

If you make a claim about a person verbally,such as calling a person a thief,you must be able to prove it or they can sue you in court for slander or libel if you put it in writing.

When referring to their right to free speech,most people leave out the word "political".

It does not protect you from criticism,anyone can criticize you as long as they speak the truth.

Answer 54

International human rights law is the body of international law designed to promote and protect human rights at the international, regional, and domestic levels. As a form of international law, international human rights law is primarily made up of treaties, agreements between states intended to have binding legal effect between the parties that have agreed to them; and customary international law, rules of law derived from the consistent conduct of states acting out of the belief that the law required them to act that way. Other international human rights instruments while not legally binding contribute to the implementation, understanding and development of international human rights law and have been recognised as a source of political obligation.[1]

Answer 55

Freedom of speech is to speak freely without censorship. Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as well as many state and federal laws.

Answer 56

Freedom of speech, in the simplest of terms is the ability to say whatever you want as long as you do not infringe on others rights.



"Your right to swing your fist ends at your neighbors nose."



You have the right to speak, but others have the right to not be threatened or slandered.

Answer 57

Freedom to use language to persuade, not incite (y saying n-gg-r or fire in theater isn't "free")

Answer 58

Freedom of speech is exactly what it says it is. It is written into English law and also the American Constitution.



Where did this idea of 'freedom of speech' come from?



Here in England it started in the 17thC with the 'diggers' and later in that same century was taken up by the 'Levellers' a breakaway group from the Parliamentary Army of Oliver Cromwell. Many 'Levellers' made their way to the then British American colonies where their ideas took root. Then in the 18thC - well, you know the rest.



Okay - so basically the concept of 'free speech' starts life in England and is then transported to America where it takes root among the people (colonists). This link explains it from the American perspective.

http://www.shmoop.com/free-speech/roots-of-free-speech-laws.html



Bear in mind that with 'free speech' there is also 'prior restraint' - thus if we slander someone, they can take court action - but generally free speech is mostly in the political arena where the gloves are off most of the time.



The real origins of 'free speech' go right back to Athens - we just took hold of that back in the Middle Ages here in England and the rest is history. But always be on your guard against those who would cut out part or parts of your rights to free speech - you know who I mean, the despots and tyrants.

http://www.speakerscornertrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/The-Development-of-Free-Speech-in-Modern-Britain.pdf

Answer 59

WELL WE ARE SUP TO HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH ITS IN THE CONSTITION BUT WE DONT LAWYERS TELL YOU BE QUIET JUDGES DONT LET YOU SPEAK FOR YOURSELF AND POLICE DONT LISTEN OR CARE TO HALF THE TIME SO ARE RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED SO NO NOT REALLY DO WE HAVE FREEDOM OFFF SPEECH BUT WE ARE SUPPOSE TO

Answer 60

Not having to apologize , or take back anything said , with a sincere regret !

Answer 61

freedom of speech is right but not cause harm instead if killing capture and as muder is wrong 20 year of jail is worse than murder

Answer 62

YES

Answer 63

In the US there is no such thing a pure free speech. If you believe that try yelling "fire" in a crowded movie. You can't tell blantant lies in the paper or on tv about someone (unless of course you work for Fox/Murdock). Free speech is about the right to say your piece of mind regradless of what others may think.

Answer 64

it is your right to tell the azzhole cops to suck off.

Answer 65

the right to say whatever you want whenever you want provided it doesn't openly promote violence against someone else.

Answer 66

F of S, in the context of the US Constitution meant being free to criticize the government. nowadays it seems to mean everything else but that.

Answer 67

You can say anything you want and when you want, no questions ask!

Answer 68

Freedom of speech is a basic human right. It just means that anyone can state their opinions (appropriately of course. Like don't go and call a policeman a C***) in any situation. If you don't use this appropriately and say, you see a someone on the street you know, and don't like and start yelling abuse at her about how horrible she is you could get taken in for verbal abuse. What it means is you can share your opinions on anything. Like politics and stuff and not worry about being punished for it. But it also means that anyone can criticize your opinions, as it is also their right.

Answer 69

Freedom of speech should be thought of as permitting freedom to express ideas.



Thus it should be possible to criticise Israel, Islam Homosexuality and so on.

Holocaust denial should not be illegal.

The arguments for and against all propositions should be permitted.



Speaking politically whether societies will enact legislation in favour of any point of view is a side issue.

It is very important but a side issue none the less.

Answer 70

Is only important when it counts for something important regarding the dignity of Humans as it directly connected to freedom of thinking and freedom of will.



It not in place for saying 7 dirty words, yelling profane statements, or cover the oppressive misdeeds of mercantile enterprises and administrative malfeasance. It does not exist for the purpose of mischief making.



It is the Freedom to speak truth to the powerful or tyrannical such that it unsettles the common sense with reason that is purposed to transform the Human condition and common good for all.



It is especially important when one is right.

Refer to Potatoe, Quaylle, Fiquerora for example of abuse. .

Answer 71

What exactly is 'Freedom of Speech'? Well, once upon a time long long ago in a galaxy far far away there once was a document called the Constitution that guaranteed freedom of speech to its citizens.

Answer 72

In the United States of America, the U.S. Constitution was written and signed to promote rights for American citizens, which included the 1st amendment: the freedom of religion, expression, and speech. It entitles people to say how they feel about a particular subject, but there are limits. For example, a person at a movie theater cannot joke and scream "Fire!!" because it would scare everyone else and it could get you a pretty hefty conviction.

I'm no expert in law, but from what I know is that you cannot hurt others with your words and actions. For example, certain States do not allow a preacher at a church to discuss about homosexuality in a negative way because it would go against the law. You cannot insult others because they have a right to denounce you - which would put you at risk.

A good rule of thumb is that "You may do as you wish as long as you're not hurting anyone, physically or emotionally." You can discuss about the death row policies in your state, the taxes, the abortion laws, etc. with your senator and you can't be punished for it: you have the right to work with your state officials and express your beliefs. To think of it in a positive way, you are a valuable citizen in the community and you have your rights to be who you are. You have the right to express things verbally, but you can't hurt others. It's common sense if you think about it. :)

Answer 73

The liberty to say whatever you wish. The grey area is when someone is being threatened or intimidated, and some cases slandered- mainly what to do. if joe posts on Greg's facebook or wall or says to his face "I'm going to kill you".

The step here is for the folks who know them both to figure out the context.

See if it is a real threat.

Then with slander this is when you lie about someone with the intent of harming their livelihood and reputation. It can not simply be an opinion like

my typing "McDonald's doesn't taste good" but it would have to be a flat out lie for example the dateline story about exploding gas tanks. Where they had rigged trucks with explosives to create a story about GMC truck exploding on impact.

This was handled by GMC suing NBC for libel.

Answer 74

An ironically named right stating that we can say what we want, the reason it is ironically named is because due to racism and religious hatred etc... we are basically suppressed to what we can say due to hatred and racism laws.

Answer 75

The right to speak your mind! What an amazing concept! Something they chop your head off for in the country you ran away from.

Answer 76

In democracies,you have the right 2 say whatever you want. However, I think it has it's limits because outright racism isn't right either. There is a thin line between what is legal and what is pushing it too far. As for Charlie hebdo, it's a satirical magazine so people should expect some aspects of political incorrectness

Answer 77

no comments

Answer 78

You have a right to express your opinion on social matters without hurting anybody's feelings, beliefs and sentiments and also crticise in polite language.

Answer 79

freedom of speech gives u right of speech and expression, but yes there are limits,6 actually.

such as...



Obscenity

-"Speech that is sexually inappropriate and harms societies values."



Fighting Words

-"Speech that tends to provoke a physical confrontation/fight."



Time Place and Manner

-"You cannot say anything at an inappropriate Time, Place or Manner"



Defamation

-"A false communication which harms someone's reputation"



Government Interest

-"The speech conflicts with a compelling government interest."



Clear & Present Danger

-"Speech that creates violent situation."

Ex: Like yelling "I've got a bomb!"

Answer 80

If you can speak that's freedom.

Answer 81

FOS is constitutionally defined as the confinement of having to listen to bullc**p no matter which way you point your nose, regardless of creed, color, country of origin, or secksth-you-all orientation.

Answer 82

To be Independent

Answer 83

...being forced to tolerate Rush Limbaugh and Al Sharpton.

Answer 84

It means you can say your opinion without fear of being harmed. It means your opinion is tolerated. Insulting is not wise.

Answer 85

It means that you cannot be arrested for farting because farting is freedom of speech from your butt.

Answer 86

freedom to talk of anything

Answer 87

First Amendment ._.

Answer 88

It is to ask a dumb question like you just did.

Answer 89

Its means speak what you want.

Answer 90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufhKWfPSQOw

Answer 91

Not forbidden.

Answer 92

Read and learn: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_in_the_United_States