2007-01-09 14:18:11 · 11 answers · asked by Zezo 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Free Speech is a "right" only because it was earned by those who put it in a document calling it such, but, since it had to be earned, and is freely handed out to individuals, often at the cost of the lives of those who give it, free speech can only be called a privilege given by the bravery of others. And yes, it can be abused, and not only if you shout "fire" in a crowded theater, but that discussion will take a lot more elaboration than I can imagine here, but I feel you'll find out clearly if you abuse it. You will be informed in one way or another. God Bless you.
2007-01-09 14:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free speech is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution. It can't be abused, for it is considered absolute - meaning that the idiots and zealots have the same rights to speak their rubbish that the others do. If there are no rules or limits to it, then there is no abuse. Some are in poor taste, and some just are stupid. But they have that right. I would rather hear from them then have limits to my speech.
2007-01-09 22:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course - free speech is one of the bedrocks of any democracy. But, as with any right, the rights of all people must be retrained by common sense laws.
Examples include libel laws, speech which will incite violence, speech will will endanger people, direct threats, and so on.
Along with the rights come the responsibility to exercise them in a somewhat intelligent manner.
2007-01-09 22:29:28 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, free speech is a right. By definition, speaking freely cannot be abused. You may not like what someone has to say, but you have as much right to dispute it. That's called dialog and debate, and that can never be bad.
Edit: Yelling 'fire' is not considered 'speech'. Speech is not defined by making verbal utterances, that's talking, which is not protected. Speech is the conveyance of ideas by any means.
2007-01-09 22:22:34 · answer #4 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Free speach is a right and not a privledge stated by the Bill of Rights in the US constitution.
2007-01-09 22:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by Michael S 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
interesting. I believe free speech is a right not a privalege, but it CAN be abused. The classic example is yelling 'fire!' in a crowded movie theater.
2007-01-09 22:23:46 · answer #6 · answered by hot.turkey 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Free Speech is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment.
It can also be abused.
2007-01-09 22:23:02 · answer #7 · answered by Citicop 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, as much as spelling 'Free Speech', and 'privilege', can be abused, as can the use of grammar in a question.
2007-01-09 22:24:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have just abused it with your spelling.
2007-01-09 23:24:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,Shouting fire in a crowded room can get you arrested
2007-01-09 22:22:56 · answer #10 · answered by xphxpd 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋