It's your opinion not fact, right? Say I have an opinion about our local DA, Can I voice my opinion about him? I was thinking about voicing it in the local paper.
2007-12-07 00:59:21 · 8 answers · asked by spoda1969 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Freedom of speech is NOT gone!
There is nothing wrong with an opinion or statement provided it is not libelist.
You cannot state something that will incite panic or riot such as the well know "yelling 'fire' in a movie theater" when there is no fire!
When you consider ones right to free speech...you have to remember that even though the constitution allows for freedom of speech there are certain things that can and cannot be said. For instance, the Supreme Court ruled in Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. (1974), opinions cannot be considered defamatory. It is thus permissible to suggest, for instance, that a lawyer is a bad one, but not permissible to declare that the lawyer is ignorant of the law: the former constitutes a statement of values, but the latter is a statement alleging a fact.
It's always best to insure you have fact to back up your opinion!
2007-12-07 01:12:16 · answer #1 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you submit an editorial about your local DA in your newspaper you cannot be arrested. Your freedom of expression is protected by the first amendment. However, that the DA can't try and sue you for libel or defamation of character.
If you feel that strongly about your views, then write the editorial, don't be intimidated by the system, at a minimum you can sign the letter anonymous.
2007-12-07 09:57:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be protected...especially if the paper prints it.
However, be careful of threatening words. Under some old statutes and especially under the Patriot Act, mere words could jeopardize your freedom.
2007-12-07 09:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by scottclear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your opinion, like everyone else's, is worthless unless it is supported by fact and documentation. You better be prepared to prove your facts or face a lawsuit.
2007-12-07 09:23:44 · answer #4 · answered by Sherilynne B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is your opinion, and cleary stated as such. If you try to pass something off as fact, you better make damn sure its true and you can prove it.
2007-12-07 09:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can voice your opinion but you could be sued for slander.
2007-12-07 09:13:38 · answer #6 · answered by Alexa_V 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
free speech is gone now you can be charged with slander, public disturbance, inciting a riot and several other BS charges used to remove free speech
2007-12-07 09:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
To tricia r: please tell me when slander, public disturbance and inciting to riot became a freedom of speech.
2007-12-07 09:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by Ken B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋