Freedom of speech

Zort Boy

Debates

23 Oct 09

Zort Boy

Joined: 12 Jun 08
Moves: 19450

23 Oct 09

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

Wajoma

Die Cheeseburger

Provocation

Joined: 01 Sep 04
Moves: 78933

23 Oct 09

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.

shavixmir

Lord

Sewers of Holland

Joined: 31 Jan 04
Moves: 89778

23 Oct 09

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?

sh76

Civis Americanus Sum

New York

Joined: 26 Dec 07
Moves: 17585

23 Oct 09

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.