Legal Definitions - chill

In legal terms, to chill means to discourage, deter, or inhibit individuals or groups from exercising a legal right or engaging in a lawful activity. This often occurs when a law, policy, or action creates a fear of negative consequences, such as penalties, legal action, or harassment, leading people to refrain from conduct they are legally entitled to pursue.

• Example 1: A state legislature passes a law that imposes severe financial penalties on news organizations for publishing articles critical of government officials, even if the articles are factually accurate. While the law doesn't explicitly ban critical reporting, the threat of ruinous fines could chill investigative journalism.

  Explanation: The potential for significant financial punishment, even for truthful reporting, would likely make news organizations hesitant to publish critical stories. This fear of severe consequences discourages them from exercising their First Amendment right to freedom of the press, thus "chilling" that right.

• Example 2: A university implements a new code of conduct that broadly prohibits "disruptive speech" on campus, with vague definitions and severe disciplinary actions, including expulsion. Students are unsure what specific types of speech might fall under this prohibition.

  Explanation: The ambiguity of the "disruptive speech" rule and the harsh penalties for violating it could chill students' willingness to express unpopular opinions, engage in robust debate, or participate in protests. Fearing disciplinary action, students might self-censor, thereby suppressing their right to free expression in an academic environment.

• Example 3: A city council passes an ordinance requiring anyone wishing to file a complaint against a police officer to first pay a non-refundable administrative fee of $200 and submit to a mandatory polygraph test.

  Explanation: This ordinance could chill citizens' ability to report legitimate concerns about police misconduct. The financial burden and the intrusive requirement of a polygraph test would likely deter many individuals, especially those with limited resources or who are intimidated by such procedures, from exercising their right to seek accountability from public officials.