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Dec 4, 2017 · Learn about the origins, history and legal interpretation of freedom of speech in the United States. Find out what types of speech are protected by the First Amendment and when they are not.
Freedom of speech and expression has a long history that predates modern international human rights instruments. It is thought that the ancient Athenian democratic principle of free speech may have emerged in the late 6th or early 5th century BC. Freedom of speech was vindicated by Erasmus and Milton.
May 2, 2024 · Learn about the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content, as stated in the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Explore the legal tests, examples, and controversies of freedom of speech and of the press.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about the First Amendment, which protects the rights of religion, expression, assembly, and petition in the U.S. It also forbids Congress from promoting or restricting any religion or speech. Find resources on the Establishment Clause, the Free Exercise Clause, the State Action Requirement, the Free Speech Forums, and more.
Freedom of speech, also called free speech, means the free and public expression of opinions without censorship, interference and restraint by the government [1] [2] [3] [4] The term "freedom of speech" embedded in the First Amendment encompasses the decision what to say as well as what not to say. [5] .
Learn how the First Amendment protects the right to speak, write, and share ideas and opinions without facing punishment from the government or private entities. Find out the conditions and limitations of this right, such as obscenity, defamation, incitement, and fighting words.
