COMM 1302 - Business Communication: Free Speech and Censorship

Among other cherished values, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. The U.S. Supreme Court often has struggled to determine what exactly constitutes protected speech.

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In some countries, individuals can be prosecuted for criticizing the government or voicing unaccepted minority beliefs. But the founding fathers understood that a free government must guarantee individuals the right to express personal opinions.

...the courts have ruled that obscene material is not protected by the First Amendment and cannot be broadcast at any time.

Flag burning and free speech

Protests and freedom to assemble

Facebook and free speech

Prayer in schools and freedom of religion

Student newspapers and free speech

School-sponsored events and free speech

Public concerns, private matters, and free speech

Lies and free speech

Censorship, the suppression of words, images, or ideas that are "offensive," happens whenever some people succeed in imposing their personal political or moral values on others.