How can Free Speech exist while the law prosecutes for offending others through speaking?

Question

Is there a true constitutional "Freedom of Speech" when one must also legally concern themselves with whether or not they are offending others and of the possible consequences?

Answer 1

No law can be made that punishes you for offending someone else as long as the offensive speech is true. Liable is only available as a remedy if the speech involved is false. Even then, the offense is a civil offense not a criminal offense. The only speech that can be criminalized is speech which creates a hazard for others such as the famous example of "yelling fire in a crowded theater," or speech which directly betrays the country, i.e. sedition or treason.

Answer 2

Is there a true constitutional "Freedom of Speech" when one must also legally concern themselves with whether or not they are offending others and of the possible consequences?
-
its not illegal to "offend" someone its illegal to slander someone with unproven facts thats the only restriction to freedom of speech

Answer 3

There is such a thing as verbal assault and abuse. We all have the right to say what we want, however when we begin to use those worlds to harass, demean, threaten or slander another person we understandably loose some of those rights.

Answer 4

If your free speech offends others, what are you saying that is offensive. It may be illegal. The prime example is that you cannot yell "fire" in a movie theater, if there is no fire.

Answer 5

Free Speech only goes so far as threating someone with harm.

Answer 6

No, the hate speech bill in the Senate is unconsitutional and dangerous.