Freedom of Speech: Governmental Restrictions
Freedom. A word that holds various interpretations and perceptions. The phrase freedom of speech is similar and therefore leads to controversy due to its vague meaning. The dispute stands on the power the government has on limiting freedom of speech, as mentioned in the Constitution under the first amendment. However, various Americans are unaware that restrictions to the first amendment in particular to freedom of speech exist. Obscenity, hate speech, defamation, commercial speech, and child pornography are not protected by the constitution. Restrictions are not only stated in the first amendment clause, but have been applied by the government throughout history. The United Stated federal government …show more content…
The clause as mentioned under the constitution states, "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech”(IIP Digital | U.S. Department of State ). However, the Constitution also states that freedom of speech is disabled when someone else 's rights are being violated. Therefore, there is substantial room for interpretation. As Kathleen Ann Ruane, a legislative attorney stated, “Even speech that enjoys the most extensive First Amendment protection may be subject to “regulations of the time, place, and manner of expression which are content-neutral, are narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest, and leave open ample alternative channels of communication” (1). Moreover, freedom of speech already consist of restrictions “among them are obscenity, child pornography, and speech that constitutes so-called “fighting words” or “true threats”(Ruane 1). Thus, governmental guidance is needed to decipher when these regulations will occur. Without instruction regular civilians would not be able to establish these boundaries accordingly and take into consideration every individual. When arguments arise they demand direction and care. Aspects of life such as teasing and the simple expression of opinion online are difficult to classify. Without the proper direction chaos can derive and tear the establishment of a community. The government 's duty is to amend chaos and protect its citizens. For instance take hate speech, without this restriction America would be imposed to a land of racism and animosity. Instead of maintaining its reputation as the land of the free. America cannot afford or provide opportunity for such anarchy. The government 's job is to protect its citizens and the country, due to its need to refrain from chaos, the government must curtail
Freedom. A word that holds various interpretations and perceptions. The phrase freedom of speech is similar and therefore leads to controversy due to its vague meaning. The dispute stands on the power the government has on limiting freedom of speech, as mentioned in the Constitution under the first amendment. However, various Americans are unaware that restrictions to the first amendment in particular to freedom of speech exist. Obscenity, hate speech, defamation, commercial speech, and child pornography are not protected by the constitution. Restrictions are not only stated in the first amendment clause, but have been applied by the government throughout history. The United Stated federal government …show more content…
The clause as mentioned under the constitution states, "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech”(IIP Digital | U.S. Department of State ). However, the Constitution also states that freedom of speech is disabled when someone else 's rights are being violated. Therefore, there is substantial room for interpretation. As Kathleen Ann Ruane, a legislative attorney stated, “Even speech that enjoys the most extensive First Amendment protection may be subject to “regulations of the time, place, and manner of expression which are content-neutral, are narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest, and leave open ample alternative channels of communication” (1). Moreover, freedom of speech already consist of restrictions “among them are obscenity, child pornography, and speech that constitutes so-called “fighting words” or “true threats”(Ruane 1). Thus, governmental guidance is needed to decipher when these regulations will occur. Without instruction regular civilians would not be able to establish these boundaries accordingly and take into consideration every individual. When arguments arise they demand direction and care. Aspects of life such as teasing and the simple expression of opinion online are difficult to classify. Without the proper direction chaos can derive and tear the establishment of a community. The government 's duty is to amend chaos and protect its citizens. For instance take hate speech, without this restriction America would be imposed to a land of racism and animosity. Instead of maintaining its reputation as the land of the free. America cannot afford or provide opportunity for such anarchy. The government 's job is to protect its citizens and the country, due to its need to refrain from chaos, the government must curtail