Difference between revisions of "Free Speech Clause"
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(about any topic - NOT "in any venue" etc.) |
(shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theatre) |
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The jury acquittal of [[John Peter Zenger]] (1735) in the colony of New York played an important early role in expanding freedom of press and free speech. | The jury acquittal of [[John Peter Zenger]] (1735) in the colony of New York played an important early role in expanding freedom of press and free speech. | ||
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| + | It is not a free speech violation to arrest a person for shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theatre when there is no fire. | ||
Revision as of 18:41, April 5, 2007
Free speech is a uniquely American doctrine that allows a citizen to say nearly anything he wants about any topic. Its basis is the Christian evangelism that characterized the American colonies in the period leading up to the American revolution. Even today the United States has the greatest freedom of speech of nearly any country in the world.
The jury acquittal of John Peter Zenger (1735) in the colony of New York played an important early role in expanding freedom of press and free speech.
It is not a free speech violation to arrest a person for shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theatre when there is no fire.