The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the rights of marketers to advertise. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that the absolute prohibition of commercial speech shown to be false, deceptive and misleading is not a violation of the First Amendment.
I am doing some research on how people feel about this topic.
I could use some feedback,
How do you feel about this, do you feel that commercial speech should be entitled to the same First Amendment protection as noncommercial speech, news reporting, and political commentary. Or do you feel a different
standard should be applied to commercial speech.
2007-12-11 06:36:44 · 5 answers · asked by Jimbo 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Freedom of Speech is about expressing your opinion, not about deceiving the public.
2007-12-11 06:57:28 · answer #1 · answered by Mutt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rules are changing - the Supreme Court has recently made a couple of rulings making "small" changes to how much the government can restrict commercial speech.
"Personally" - and my opinion is worth not a damn thing - I agree with the rule that a government can legitimately prohibit false advertising. Much beyond that, though, I wouldn't go. The restrictions, for example, on advertising alcohol I think should be struck down.
Richard
2007-12-11 06:42:37 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am completely against DECEPTIVE advertising. By printing a disclaimer in small print at the bottom of ads, advertisers can get away with almost anything any more. Do you really think you can lose up to 100 pounds by just eating certain items? Exercise plays an important role in weight loss as well.
2007-12-11 06:47:24 · answer #3 · answered by Steven D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO. If I run a newspaper and I am against the war in Iraq, I dont have to accept an ad showing wounded american vets with no limbs in wheel chairs...saying "dont let their sacrifice be in vain..call your congressman today and tell them to fund our troops".
2007-12-11 06:46:16 · answer #4 · answered by ron j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think commercial ads should be held to telling the truth about their products and the amount paid for them. They are already allowed "puffery" which allows them to inflate their products believability. Another one that gripes me is the TV ads that offer you a second product "absolutely" free, when you are required to pay for extra shipping. This is not absolutely free.
2007-12-11 06:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋