When Does Free Speech Go Too Far?
Like most things US Constitution-related, interpretations of the First Amendment – particularly what constitutes free speech – are both abundant and varied. The staunchest constitutionalists might tell you that there is no limit to freedom of speech; that's the point of ensuring it in the first place. Others, however, might say that there's a clear and definitive difference between free speech and hate speech, and the latter is not protected by the former.
Free speech becomes even murkier to interpret when things like comedy, religion, and patriotism are considered alongside it. Are there inappropriate or indefensible uses of free speech? Are there instances or situations where it doesn't apply?
Vote up any situations to which you believe free speech does not apply.
- 1
Threatening physical violence against another person or group.
- 2
Inciting panic and violence with misinformation.
- 3
Using it to limit someone else's free speech.
- 4
Recruiting for a terrorist group and espousing its beliefs (e.g. ISIS).
- 5
Passing off fake news as the truth when you have a large audience or platform.
- 6
Using slurs that apply to someone else's identity or group when you have a large audience.