ipl-logo

What Are The Importance Of Freedom Of Speech

1054 Words5 Pages

Freedom of speech has been recognized as the most fundamental value to a democratic society. It serves the individual’s rights, to be an active player in the democracy, not just a passive spectator. Free speech expands an individual’s thinking, without the ability to express ideas, to be exposed to others’ ideas, people then cannot develop fully as individuals. However, our society is built on law and order, which, means that inevitably there will be restrictions placed upon free speech. Recent cases led us to question if there should be more limits placed upon free speech for order. Many often abuse this right to provoke, offend, to spread lies and hate; some cases inspire violence such as the Charlie Hebdo incident. In other words, total freedom of speech can lead to breakdown in law and …show more content…

Therefore, I do not agree that freedom of speech should be protected at all costs.

One argument against absolute freedom of speech is that it can be used to provoke and inspire violence. Free speech allows an individual to voice out any opinions without interference. Some people however feel free speech means we can freely hurl insults to provoke and offend which is abusing the right. Oliver Wendell Junior, a staunch supporter of free speech recognizes that there should be limits placed upon it through his famous observation that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theatre as it could jeopardize the people’s safety. Abuse of free speech can lead to violence especially when concerning religion where a disrespectful or insensitive remark can be seen as discrimination. Religion is a sensitive topic that tends to arouse strong emotions. There must be some form of respect towards other people’s religion. One high profile case is the

Show More
Related

  • Essay On The First Amendment

    258 Words  | 2 Pages

    I feel like without this freedom, there would be much anger among the people. This would cause more trouble in the country also. Second, freedom of speech is important because we can express our individuality. With our opinions, we can give others ideas, and maybe change their opinions.

    Read More

  • Who Killed The Constitution By Thomas E. And Kevin R. Gutzman

    1457 Words  | 6 Pages

    Congress’s power to limit freedom of speech in any way is not included in the enumerated powers listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution (20-21). The states, if anyone, are the only governments that might posses the power to limit free speech (21). Government officials, however, obviously have no regard for the Constitution or freedom of speech and are acting upon their own desires and values (21). Many examples of freedom of speech infringement are given throughout this book, and the author shows how these kinds of laws are enacted throughout history.

    Read More

  • Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbur: An Analysis

    323 Words  | 2 Pages

    Freedom of speech is a right that was given to Americans some time ago. It is the most cherished right Americans have. People would not be able to express themselves without it. They would not be the same person without it. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbur, the lack of speech was protrayed through the characteristics of Guy Montags job as a Fireman and their society and government.

    Read More

  • Embargo Act DBQ Essay

    841 Words  | 4 Pages

    The freedom of speech is important because it gives us the ability to express our thoughts and opinions. (Cite) Magazine editor, Rachael Jolley said, “ Free speech has always been important throughout history because it had been used to fight for change. When we talk about rights today they would not have been achieved without free speech. Think about a time from the past-women not being able to vote, or the terrible working conditions in the mines- free speech is important as it has helped change these things.” Most people take the freedom of speech for granted because they do not realize how privileged we are to have

    Read More

  • North Koreans Should Not Limit Freedom Of Speech

    679 Words  | 3 Pages

    Finally, we should not limit our rights to freedom of speech in America except for on the internet because it is unconstitutional. Some believe that we should limit our rights to freedom of speech because when the constitution was written there was not as many threats as there are today; however they are wrong because the constitution clearly states our rights to freedom of speech. In the constitution it states, “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.” This means that the government can not make a law that ever goes against our freedom of speech. Later it says, “ and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”

    Read More

  • Freedom Of Speech In Debs V. United States

    1197 Words  | 5 Pages

    Although the government has the authority to curtail free speech rights, and punish speech that incites violence and harm, the First Amendment provides far reaching boundaries for the advocacy of political

    Read More

  • First Amendment Bill Of Rights

    155 Words  | 1 Pages

    However, the right to free speech is not absolute. The United State Supreme Court has ruled that the government can ban some speeches that contain “fighting words,” and words that

    Read More

  • Why The First Amendment (And Journalism) Might Be In Trouble

    1055 Words  | 5 Pages

    Freedom of expression is one of the laws the forefathers of America made to empower its citizens and also enables them to live in peace amongst themselves. In most countries around the world, freedom of expression does not exist, so there is always war in those countries. In the article “Why the First Amendment (and Journalism) Might Be in Trouble”, the authors, Ken Dautrich, chair of the Public Policy at the University of Connecticut and John Bare, who is the vice president for strategic planning and evaluation at the Arthur M. Blank Family foundation in Atlanta, conducted a research study on the importance of freedom of speech. They used their research findings to support freedom of expressions. They employed claim of policy, claim of fact and also appeal to pathos and logos in their argument of the importance of the freedom of speech.

    Read More

  • First Amendment Rights Research Paper

    361 Words  | 2 Pages

    With the freedom of speech, we can show our thoughts about the government not through our voice, but also through peaceful, symbolic speeches and marches. Our voices are heard through activities such as the freedom

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of The First Amendment Essay

    1483 Words  | 6 Pages

    The freedoms of speech and of press are quintessential American rights, afford to it’s citizens through the ratification of the first amendment on December 15, 1791. These rights protect the voices of minority's, inform citizens, preserve the truth and create a watchdog for government corruption. Although these rights are toted in high esteem by most Americans, most are unaware these freedoms are not absolute and poses limitations. Such limitations sometimes include speech that criticizes the government. Throughout American history freedom of expression seem to be treated

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of The First Amendment

    534 Words  | 3 Pages

    Freedom of speech is the right to speak, write, and share ideas and opinions without facing punishment from the government. The First Amendment protects this right by prohibiting Congress from making laws that would curtail freedom of speech. The reason why this should have limitations is because people would be able to hurt another person to get what they want out of them. Being forced to speak wouldn’t be freedom of speech. Having a person physically make you say something you know will put you down isn’t right

    Read More

  • The Indispensable Opposition Analysis

    289 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the article, “The Indispensable Opposition,” author, Walter Lippmann, argues his claim that we must view the freedom of oppositions as a way to improve our decisions in a democratic society rather than just tolerating that freedom of speech. When freedom of speech is tolerated and only seen as a right to speak, Lippmann believes that the liberty of opinion becomes a luxury. Moving forward, Lippmann then states that we must understand that the freedom of speech for our opponents are a vital necessity since it provides our own opinions to grow in improvement. Through practical experience, we realize we need the freedom of opposition and is no longer just our opponent ’s right.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Free Speech Follies By Stanley Fish

    103 Words  | 1 Pages

    People have the tendency to take the First Amendment for granted, but some tend to use it to their favor. Stanley Fish presents his main argument about how people misuse this amendment for all their conflicts involving from racial issues to current political affairs in his article, Free-Speech Follies. His article involves those who misinterpret the First Amendment as their own works or constantly use it as an excuse to express their attitudes and desires about a certain subject matter. He expresses his personal opinions against those who consistently use the First Amendment as a weapon to defend themselves from harm of criticism.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Freedom Of Speech

    817 Words  | 4 Pages

    The fact that one has the right to say and believe is the foundation for democracy to function. If no one dared to say their opinions, then it had become a dictatorship where only one opinion on how society and the country should work had been the “right”. If people dared to express their opinions, they will help improving the society one lives. Freedom of speech gives one the responsibility to consider what fits into different contexts, and it will make us better persons and people. Simply, people will feel safe in the society they live in.

    Read More

  • Importance Of Freedom Of Expression In Malaysia

    1026 Words  | 5 Pages

    As human beings, we are all born with an entitlement of freedom of speech or synonymously known as freedom of expression as it is a basic human right. It is stated in the Federal Constitution and it is important for us human beings to protect our rights to freedom of speech and expression as it is the backbone for a democratic society. Having the right to express oneself freely without any restrictions is an essential part of what it means to be a free human being. Article 10 in the Federal Constitution states that; (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) all citizens have the right to form associations.

    Read More

More about What Are The Importance Of Freedom Of Speech

Open Document