1. Intro to the Freedom of Speech

2. Intro to Freedom of Speech
Freedom of speech guarantees right to express info & ideas
Protects ALL forms of communication:
Speeches
Books
Art
Newspapers
Etc.

3. Intro to Freedom of Speech
Exists to protect ideas that are unpopular, different from those of majority
“Freedom for the thought we hate…”
Protects person making the speech AND person receiving it
Right to hear, see, read, & be exposed to different points of view
Freedom of speech NOT absolute

4. Importance of Freedom of Speech
Essential core-purpose is self- governance
Enables people to obtain info from diversity of sources, make decisions
Provides “marketplace of ideas”
Gov’t doesn’t establish truth
People determine truth by seeing which ideas are most commonly accepted

5. Importance of Freedom of Speech
Also provides a “safety valve” that helps people deal with change
Through discussion, people adapt to change
Don’t resort to force
Self-expression like “letting off steam”

6. Consider this…
In 1995, a veterans group applied and received a St. Patrick’s Day parade permit from the City of Boston. A group with a gay pride message—a message different from the parade organizers’— asked to be included in the parade. The parade organizers turned down the request. The second group sued arguing that the refusal violated their First Amendment rights. Who do you believe the courts sided with?

7. Importance of Freedom of Speech
Freedom of speech provides people with right NOT to speak and NOT to associate with others
Veteran’s group
Freedom of speech conflicts among most difficult for courts to resolve
How should police respond to speaker who makes unpopular statement that makes listeners respond violently?