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== What Free Speech is Not ==

== What Free Speech is Not ==

An important distinction is that free speech is ''not'' the right to be able to speak freely in a private setting such as a job or a school.  You can be fired for criticizing your company's product in front of a customer, insulting your boss, etc.

An important distinction is that free speech is ''not'' the right to be able to speak freely in a private setting such as a job or a school.  You can be fired for criticizing your [[company]]'s product in front of a customer, insulting your boss, etc. While the [[government]] may not intrude, private organizations may set their own speech policies, and every citizen has a duty to speak and act responsibly. The First Amendment addresses none of these concerns as protected.

While the government may not intrude, private organizations may set their own speech policies, and every citizen has a duty to speak and act responsibly. The First Amendment addresses none of these concerns as protected.

Speech that is termed "fighting words" is not protected speech.  That is to say that speech that causes an act which the law does not protect, is not protected.  Thus, it is not a free speech violation to arrest a person for shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater when there is no fire.  Similarly, it is not protected speech to advocate the death of the president.

Speech that is termed "fighting words" is not protected speech.  That is to say that speech that causes an act which the law does not protect, is not protected.  Thus, it is not a free speech violation to arrest a person for shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater when there is no fire.  Similarly, it is not protected speech to advocate the death of the president.