In the US, freedom of expression is legally protected and is also a deeply held

Question

In the US, freedom of expression is legally protected and is also a deeply held value. However, there are limits to this freedom. First, explain what exactly is protected speech in the US. Next, identify two kinds of speech that are not legally protected by the first amendment, and give a specific example of each. Do you think that these types of speech should be legally protected, or is it ok that they are not? Then, explain one example of a “grey area”, something difficult to define, and how it gets handled. Finally, think about the ways that legal speech might be limited, even when it is legal, and when you think this is good or not. Give a specific example.

Explanation / Answer

Protected Speech in the US:

Protected speech in the United States is the freedom of speech until it doesn’t cross the below-given barriers. If the below-mentioned barriers are crossed, it would be termed as unprotected speech and can have legal implications.

Therefore, although the citizens of the US have the freedom of speech and the right to say what they feel, they cannot cross the limitations given.

Given below are two types of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment. I agree that these should be unprotected by the law and the individuals that promote these kinds of speeches should be dealt with in a legal manner. Child pornography is a crime and in no way, should it be publicly circulated. Also, solicitations to commit crimes can increase the crime rate in the country. Hence, in the best interests of the society, it’s advisable to curb these forms of speech.

Grey Area:

Legal speech may be limited when people react to the words instead of understanding the context it has in the complete speech. For example, obscenity is considered unprotected speech. However, it does not hold true for the internet. People can make whatever comments they want on social media websites but the owner of those websites have the right to delete, censor or block the users if they find the comments offensive and demeaning.

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