First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This broad right encompasses verbal and written words, as well as symbolic actions like protests and attire. However, free speech is not absolute and does not protect certain categories of speech, such as defamation, incitement to violence, true threats, and obscenity, which can be restricted to prevent harm and maintain order.
What Free Speech Does Not Protect
What Free Speech Does Not Protect
- Defamation: False statements that harm another person's reputation.
- Incitement to Imminent Lawless Action: Speech that is intended and likely to provoke immediate unlawful acts.
- True Threats: Communications conveying a serious intent to commit violence or harm against a person or group.
- Obscenity: The creation and distribution of obscene materials are not protected.
- Harassment: Speech that constitutes harassment can be restricted.
- Defamation: False statements that harm another person's reputation.