What Is Freedom Of Speech? Essay

What is Freedom of Speech? Freedom of Speech is “the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against liable, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.” (Dictionary). This means that citizens are protected under the First Amendment and have the right to express their opinion without the government interfering as long as the act is lawful. Historical, as well as modern events show how society misuses freedom of speech.
For instance, an example of a group that uses the First Amendment to express their opinion is Westboro Baptist Church. Members of this Church are allowed to picket at events and use controversial sayings because they are under protection of the First Amendment. For example “… the Supreme Court ruled that the right of free speech protects Phelps and his church members to express their opinions during military and other high profile funerals” (“Supreme Court Sides”). Examples of their signs that they hold up at funerals are: God hates you, Thank God for 9/11 and, God sent the shooter. It is very cruel and offensive for them to protest. “The funeral is their one opportunity to gather friends and family to join them in prayer; to help them mourn and grieve…” (“ 'Supreme Court Got it Wrong '”). Friends and family at funerals can’t mourn the loss of their loved one in privacy because of all the horrible things that the Westboro members are holding up on the signs right outside the funeral. By them…