Go back
Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech

Debates

Vote Up
Vote Down

Can you truly have freedom of speech unless the freedom to say what you want is absolute?

Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Zort Boy
Can you truly have freedom of speech unless the freedom to say what you want is absolute?
You don't have absolute freedom of speech because you are not free to commit fraud. This covers the yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater scenario, defamation and false claims made in advertising.

Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Wajoma
This covers the yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater scenario, defamation and false claims made in advertising.
Was Colin Powell's famous speech at the UN (which led to the invasion of Iraq) yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre scenario?

Was he abusing free speech?

Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Zort Boy
Can you truly have freedom of speech unless the freedom to say what you want is absolute?
Absolute freedom of speech is a meaningless concept. Conspiracy to commit murder or using "speech" to con someone and steal their money has to be illegal.

No right is absolute and every right is limited.