Freedom And Freedom Of Speech Essay

Free speech is a fundamental piece of American society; however, it has become a very controversial idea. In recent years several “free-speech” protests have risen, many breaking out in violence. With all the arguments about free speech erupting in America it is important to keep in mind that the first amendment is very broad, and has very few and very specific limitations; thus, very seldom does an individual person or group have the right to stop another from speaking.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says, “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.” In other words, U.S. citizens have the freedom of religion, speech, and press. This amendment also gives people the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government. We use all of the freedoms and rights the First Amendment protects every day. For example, we practice the religion of our choice, state our opinions, and express our ideas through many written ways, such

War and rage wrestled with the harmony of freedom, the tear-felt cries of patriots echoed across the vast seas, and glistening, ink strokes wrote the keys to America’s foundation. Our Founding Founders consisted of fifty-five individuals that sought a free republic for the nation’s citizens. These founders wrote and laid the foundational tools that the United States of America still stands on in the twenty-first century. However, over time our government has tampered with the very foundation laid by our Founders, causing our liberties to be placed in jeopardy.

College is a time when most individuals are experiencing major changes and begin to explore new perspectives. The transition in becoming more independent, creating new insights and peer influence are key factors in changing the perspective of an individual. Students are faced with new ideas from their professors, family and fellow peers. Through that acquired knowledge many students decide that they either agree or disagree with the perspectives that they are taught. Allowing the right of ‘Free Speech’ on public college campuses has become an important issue that many public colleges are starting to address. In college students are capable of

Schenck V. United Sates was a case that caused the court and the government to contradict our first amendment rights. Our first amendment rights clearly say that we have the freedom of speech. This was compromised because the congress forbid Schenck from telling the drafted soldiers what he thought was happening. However, this was done in order to prevent alarm and misconduct from occurring. Charles Schenck was a socialist who attempted to give out thousands of flyers to American men who were drafted into the world war one fight. These flyers implied that the war was motivated by capitalist and attached to the flyer was a petition to disband the draft. Most people understand why this compromise to our first amendment for our general

Each and every citizen of the United States is automatically granted civil rights and civil liberties. With that being said, every individual is given equal protection under the law and their rights are protected by the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment, one of the major amendments in the Constitution, greatly affects the public in a way that each person is able to express themselves in a certain way. It states, “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.” (U.S. Constitution). Americans did not use the First Amendment to their advantage as much in the past as they do so now in the present. While freedom of expression isn’t always embraced among Americans, it still remains as one of the most valued rights of United States citizens.

The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an established religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof'; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." This amendment, founded on the strong and open minds of the Founding Fathers, made certain that free speech be incorporated into America's free and democratic society.

Americans have many freedoms that people in other countries can only wish they had. Just imagine a life where you could possibly be killed for speaking your mind and stating your opinion, other countries are living lives like that. According to Katy Davis, The United States ratified the first amendment on December 15th 1791 (Davis, n.d). We as a country don’t know where the government draws the line between hate speech and free speech. This is one of the many reasons why freedom of speech is a controversial topic. In this essay, I am using a Natural Law theory approach because we as people are entitled to free speech and human

Freedom of speech is more than just the right to say what one pleases. Freedom of speech is the right to voice your opinion on certain topics or dilemmas around you. This basic right given to us in the First Amendment is being challenged by colleges who encourage “freedom of speech” with certain restrictions.

What is free speech? Does the term ‘free speech’ cover offensive words? Painful ones? Words that disrespect others? What about objectionable, or even wrong beliefs? When is speech illegal? What is exactly meant by free speech? According to Rampell, the term ‘free speech’ includes ‘hate speech’, and is therefore protected by the first amendment (np). This means that even messages we don’t like, agree with, feel uncomfortable about, or even are disgusted by, are legal. Unfortunately, many college students consider harmful words an assault, and some students believe that such verbal attacks can and should be met with violence (French np). Students and speakers today are discriminated against in classrooms and other scenes where free speech and debate should be especially cherished.

Freedom of speech in America is defined by the right to express any opinions without any censorship or restraint. But it isn’t just defined by the words people speak aloud. It’s the actions they take part in to support the words they express. The writing of books and essays, creating artwork, giving speeches to grand crowds, voting, protesting. But do all people have the right to speak their mind? Should people be able to speak freely, to express opinions and thoughts, as promised in the United States constitution? A controversial topic, with many different opinions weighing in from around the world.

I have an idea!  How about we let everyone freely speak their minds about issues and ideas.  Some will be better than others will of course, but the outcome will be a compilation of everyone’s best thoughts.  Everyone that is, except you.  We, meaning the country, decided that whatever it is that you have to say isn’t all that important and it is recommended that you keep all your thoughts to yourself as it is hard not to be offensive to everyone at the same time.  By offensive I mean to displease someone.  In general, no one really likes what you have to say.  Therefore it has been decided that you and only you will be silenced.

The Constitution of the United States states in its First Amendment that "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" (Funk & Wagnalls 162). This Amendment guarantees each person of free speech. Does this mean that a person can stand in the middle of the street and yell anything he wants? No, society, even though it cherishes freedom of speech, does give this freedom certain restrictions.

When the rules and doctrines of our country were first being assembled, the right minded individuals with the power of legislature took a page from John Locke and affirmed that Americans are endowed with a list of natural rights upon birth. The first and arguably most important notch on that list if the frequently used and abused First Amendment, our freedom of Speech. The First Amendment solemnly declares that Congress is incapable of passing any legislation which inhibits a citizen’s right to make their grievances and opinions known. Now back in those days, time was much simpler for a new and developing country; there was confrontation about political parties and civil rights raging for centuries, but the lines of

After enactment of Constitution, many laws related to press were challenged before the court. In Srinivasa Bhat v. State of Madras, K. Madhava Menon v. State of Bombay, Avanti Press 1950, Amar Nath v. State of Punjab, Romesh Thapar v. Chief Secretary of Patna, Tara Singh v. the State of Punjab, Fram Nusserwanji v. State of Bombay, Chandardeo v. State of Bihar, Tozam-mal v. Government of Bengal, etc., the laws related to press ultra vires to the constitution were quashed.