Why are there laws limiting the freedom of speech? Under the first amendment of the U.S Constitution, the right of free speech is broad and gaurenteed to all. There are limitations provided only to protect, the rights of reputation of others, national secerity, public order, public health, and morals. At the time, the courts have interpreted the meaning of free speech in a manner that allows government to regulate and limit free speech in a variety of ways. Certain kinds of contents have been ruled to either more limited protection, or in some cases, no protection at all. Along the unprotected categories of speech are pornography (obscenity). The legal test for what is obscene, and therefore can be prohibited is baed on contemporary standards
