Freedom Of Speech: The First Amendment Of The Constitution

The first amendment, which is considered the right to freedom of speech, is a misconception to many. Not all citizens, but some, think that because of the first amendment; they can say whatever they want. Although citizens of the United States have the right to freedom of speech, this freedom of speech is viewed differently by others. Which leads to confusion as to what can be said and what cannot be said. Both court cases: Tinker v. Des Moines, and Bethel v. Fraser involved the confusion and misunderstanding of this first amendment.

“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech.” (Jacobus 93). Just like the Freedom of Religion there are limitations placed on the Freedom of Speech so that other people’s rights aren’t compromised. For example, people are not allowed to present true threats, or “fighting words” to another person. This restriction was put into play in the court case of Chaplinsky vs. New Hampshire. The Court ruled that “fighting words, by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace and may be punished consistent with the First Amendment.” (Ruane 3-4). In this case if someone was to use “fighting words” which is their perceived freedom of speech, it would not only violate the law, it could violate someone’s freedom of pursue life, liberty, and happiness. With this, we can see that freedom is not always as it

The right to freedom of speech was granted to every american citizen over two hundred years ago and has stood tall and proud ever since, until now apparently. Freedom of speech is a tricky right to give. Who is to decide what is a good or bad use of your freedom of speech rights. A former Army Green Beret stated that athletes in the NFL are not obligated to stand for the national anthem if they do not feel it represents what they believe in

Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. Whether or not on a college campus, people (especially college students) should have the right to speak freely. Everyone does have the right to speak freely, because it is one of the twenty-seven amendments. Colleges all around the United States are now home to many restrictions on free speech. For example, the idea and use of “free speech zones” has made its way to colleges everywhere. A “free speech zone” is a sidewalk sized place where students are allowed to speak their minds freely on college campuses. I know what you’re thinking. This sounds ridiculous. Why are there specific places for people to speak their minds? Aren’t colleges suppose to be a place where students speak their minds and learn new things? Universities should not be able to put any restrictions on free speech.

Sports, particularly football, has became a political debate in September. The author of the article, CNN Sophie Tatum, called “Athletes, activists spar on kneeling National Anthem protests”. She explained that President Donald Trump began to criticize players on his twitter account who would kneel during the national anthem to protest against police brutality. Sophie Tatum writes that Trump and his aides are arguing that the protests are unpatriotic and disrespectful to the flag. Trump also adds that it is disrespectful to the people who fought to protect our country. Although players argue that they are just exercising free speech. In the beginning of the article Sophie Tatum adds an interview, Spike Lee, who is speaking out for the players who take a knee. He defends the players that they are simply protesting against law enforcement and want to be heard on the issues at hand. Reading the title of the article before I read the rest and

In the news the NFL, Donald Trump, and the veterans are at crossroads with the American anthem and what it stands for. The NFL players decide to take a knee during the National Anthem which caused a big uproar across the United States. Our president has spoken out about the issue and made a harsh opinion on what the coaches should do with the players. Others such as, the police or men and women who were overseas protecting the United States find it disrespectful that NFL players taking a knee. Within the amendments, the first amendment is being used by the NFL players. The NFL players are using their rights to speak out against the National Anthem,

Freedom of speech has been a controversial issue throughout the world. Our ability to say whatever we want is very important to us as individuals and communities. Although freedom of speech and expression may sometimes be offensive to other people, it is still everyone’s right to express his/her opinion under the American constitution which states that “congress shall make no law

The freedom of speech is one of the most precious rights that the United States citizens have. Unlike many other countries, the United States citizens have the freedom to speak their minds and to give their opinions on anything as long as it is done in a peaceful manner without having any fear of governmental retaliation. “The First Amendment guarantees our right to free expression and free association, which means that the government does not have the right to forbid us from saying what we like and writing what we like.” This does not mean that a person can say whatever he or she wants to say, but rather that a person’s right to say something is protected within certain limits.

If society was to take a look back time in the history of the United States, during World War II, it was stated, “The Supreme Court struck down such a demand for a flag salute during the Pledge of Allegiance” in which the supreme court reason was “the ruling gave strength to individual freedom of mind in preference to officially disciplined uniformity for which history indicates a disappointing and disastrous end” (Sachs and Zatz 1-2). By Supreme Court ruling this way, it gave the people the right to be individuals and be able to have the freedom of speech or to protest against the ways that society is doing wrong by its people. As stated in the First Amendment of the Constitution, “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 grievance” (First 1). So, as citizens of the United States, the sports players have rights to protest and exercising their freedom of

Voltaire once said something along the lines of “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are privileges that American citizens have obtained. However, at times debates occur over whether or not these rights have been infringed upon. Controversy over whether or not NFL players should be required to stand and participate during the national anthem has recently developed. Personally, I do not agree with how the NFL players are protesting; however, they should be allowed to express themselves freely.

NFL players should be able to express their feelings, but not in the way where they disrespect the flag and the National Anthem. “While I don’t question someone’s First Amendment right to express their views, I do question the wisdom of the venue these athletes have chosen and more importantly, their target. By protesting the national anthem,

In chapter five The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech…”(121). This means that citizens expect the government to give them the choice to speak and hear what they want. In addition, freedom of speech can include symbols, signs, and non-verbal

Although the First Amendment addresses the right of free speech, there are still limitations to what one can say or do to express his or her opinions. For example, threats, libel/slander, obscenity, and fighting words are illegal and can result in arrest depending on the extent of the crime. Despite these restrictions, there are some undesirable situations that the First Amendment still covers. These situations are considered unacceptable in society and can cause disruptions in everyday life. Yelling at a teacher, excessively snapping at employees, and causing interruptions during the national anthem or other honorable moments are all protected under the First Amendment, but they demonstrate times in which free speech should not be

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression from government interference. The most basic component of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. In “Nothing But The Truth,” by Avi, Philip is asked to leave his English class because he is humming while the national anthem is played during morning announcements. His English teacher, Miss Narwin asks him to stop, but he believes his action is no big deal. In order for Miss Narwin to win her argument with Philip, she cites a school memo asking all students to stand in a respectful and silent manner during the national anthem. After Philip’s father tells him to stand up for his rights, Philip is thrown out of English, and threatened to be suspended by the assistant principal.

It is ironic he would say this, but in hindsight, perhaps Mr. Brown would consider resending his "ignorant buffoon" comment and go back to educate himself on what the right to free speech is. The right to free speech is not universal. The constitution ONLY prohibits the GOVERNMENT from infringing on a citizen's free speech. However, any private entity has no such prohibition. When you are in my house, I can restrict your right to free speech, and you can suffer the consequences of violating that (i.e., getting kicked out). When you are on the job, your employer has every right to restrict your speech while you are on the company's time and the company's dime. And you can suffer the consequences of violating that restriction as well (i.e., get demoted, fined, or fired). The NFL and each individual team has a right to restrict what players say and do while on their time, and they have always done so; and continue to do it by regulating and restricting their conduct.......at least until now.