In the US constitution, Does the first amendment protect you only from what you say about the government?

Question

Does the first amendment protect you from anything you want to say,or just what you want to say about the government?
Because I heard that it only protects you from criticizing and expressing your thoughts and opinions on government, I.E. I don tlike the presidents hair. And I don't like his wife...

Or does it apply to things like I can tell a stranger on the street that I think he's ugly?

Answer 1

Anything you say that isn't slander (and truth is a perfect defence against slander), or create an imminent danger (the tired example is yelling 'fire' in a crowded building to provoke a panic in which people are trampled to death).

Though, the spirit and intent is arguably to protect 'political' speech. Ironically, political speech is exactly the kind the 'political correctness' pushed by the left (the self-proclaimed champions of free speach) puts limits upon. Mind you, it's unpleasant speech, to say the least, but it's clearly political...

Answer 2

It doesn't protect only political speech, although political speech does enjoy the broadest protection. In a recent Supreme Court case, the high court (tee-hee) ruled against a student who held a "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banner during a parade, in front of the school. They took pains to explain that they considered it nonsensical speech, not political speech.

Apparently, if he had held a banner that said, "Legalize Marijuana," the first amendment would have protected that.

But this involved a student at school. The first amendment is not as strong at school.

But outside school, military, prison, etc., non-political speech is protected. After all, it's the first amendment that protects porn.

Answer 3

Both would technically be protected under the first amendment, but it would depend on what you said to the person. "Fighting words", as they are called, are NOT protected under the first amendment, nor are libel, slander, or things that could cause people to get phisically hurt-as stated in the famous analogy that yelling "FIRE!" in a crowded thater isn't protected under the first amendment.
There's been a lot of really fascinating cases on this topic, but I can't remember all the arguements off the top of my head.

Answer 4

Well, the First Amendment does NOT allow you to provide aid and comfort to an enemy government (that's sedition), vandalize someone else's property without permission, or speak slander or write libel (that means telling lies that ruin someone else's livelihood or safety). Other than that, the First Amendment protects pretty much every other kind of speech.

Answer 5

it's not slander if you honestly beleive what you say. Believe it to be true. As long as you're not purposely ruining someone's reputation or endangering someone's safety, the 1st is supposed to allow you to have an opinion and talk about it too. Notice though, if you try doing this in public and in earshot of some large corporation you will be escorted by security or detained. And with the passing of H.R. 1955 you can kiss the bill of rights goodbye.

Answer 6

the 4th modification~search for and Seizure the right of the individuals to be guard of their persons, homes, papers, and outcomes, hostile to unreasonable searches and seizures, shall no longer be violated, and no Warrants shall challenge, yet upon probable reason, supported through Oath or confirmation, and noticeably describing the position to be searched, and the persons or issues to be seized.

Answer 7

Yes, no one has the right to insult and be rude to anyone. You can be sued. Peace