does the right to free speech include the right to insult others?

Answer 1

Technically yes. But that wouldn't be very nice. If everyone in society insulted each other, then we would surely have lots of fights and deaths.

Answer 2

one of the hardest questions of free speech. Because what is insulting? Offending in one culture might be innocuous in another.

Isn't it really all about intent and personal responsibility? People should have the right to say anything and at any time and place but should be responsible enough to not intentionally hurt others.

All the rights in this world don't mean jack without people assuming the responsibilities that come with those rights.

Answer 3

Yes I'm afraid so. The right to free speech does not include freedom from being being insulted or otherwise offended. If someone has offended you, go somewhere else. Sorry.

Answer 4

Yes. But with insults, there can be consequences. A lawsuit for example. But the freedom of speech is nearly limitless. You cannot, for example, yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater, but short of that, just about anything is permitted.

There is no constitutional right against being offended by speech in the US.

UPDATE: I'm amazed at those who have said "No," or have said "Unfortunately yes." The freedom of speech allows you to speak freely. Most people would love to have what we have in the US. In the UK, people have to be careful about what they say, because they can be prosecuted for something innocuous. When we no longer appreciate the rights we have, nor fight for them, we lose them, and those that rule become tyrants.

While I defend their right to say "No," or "Unfortunately yes," they are not worthy of the free speech that they exercised in this question.

Answer 5

The right to free speech is not a license to insult others. However, no matter how peaceably you may disagree, someone is bound to be offended.

Edit: Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean that you SHOULD.

Answer 6

Unfortunetly yes. It's what makes the U.S. constitution the best! Just look at Canada, you would think we have just about the same culture but if you insult someone in Canada it can be called a "hate crime". See in the U.S. the constitution can't be changed just because some judge or supreme court want's to play God. Amendments may be made to improve the law and prevent extreme situations, but what the forefathers gave us is pretty much still in tact. Whereas in Canada you can easily fall prey to a special interest group or even a bunch of whacked out judges that can change laws or even make them up without the populace knowing it. The parliamentary system is dangerous to democracy whereas the U.S. system with its check and balances on government is way better.

Answer 7

Within reason.

i can say "George Bush has led us to the brink of ruin with the non-thinking culture that permeats his administration". It is an insult, but rather high-grade.

If I say "George Bush is a poopie-doodle head who has the mental agility of a small soap dish," I now start to points towards slander.

If I make a bald-faced lie about him, just to ridicule and insult, I have transcended the coverage of Free Speech.

Remember, with rights come responsibilities

Answer 8

definite. human beings insult Christianity each and every of the time. An "artist" positioned a crucifix in a jar of urine. "Singer" Sinead O'Connor ripped up a photo of the pope on stay television. on the television tutor lower Your Enthusiasm Larry David pissed on a photo of Jesus. what number riots were there over the above insults? What, None?

Answer 9

Sure. So long as your speech does not infringe on anyone else's rights. In America anyway, you DO NOT have the right to not be offended, and that's a beautiful thing.

Answer 10

its ok to insult someone as long as you dont defame them.
such as, blantly lie in public about the person and it cause harm to their life. such as job promotion, the way the general public looks at them, etc.
however, most of the times this only fits for public figures. a typical person is not a public figure.
so basically, if someone is insulting a regular person...if it isnt true....it just makes the insulter look like an @ss. if its true, well thats your bad.
hope this makes some sense...

Answer 11

Your rights under the constitution are protected only if you're not taking someone else's rights. If your insults don't take away any of their rights (like slander), then yes. You can say what you want.