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Simple English definitions for legal terms

freedom of speech

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A quick definition of freedom of speech:

Freedom of speech means that people have the right to say what they think and share their ideas without getting in trouble with the government. This is protected by the First Amendment. However, there are some situations where the government can limit speech, like if it's obscene or indecent, defamatory, or incites violence. Private companies and employers can also limit speech on their platforms and in their workplaces. This means that while people have the right to speak their minds, they also need to be responsible and respectful of others.

A more thorough explanation:

Freedom of speech is the right to express your thoughts and opinions without being punished by the government. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects this right by preventing Congress from making laws that limit freedom of speech.

However, there are some circumstances where the government can restrict speech. For example:

  • Obscenity and Indecency: The government can ban media that is considered obscene or child pornography. Indecent speech, which describes or depicts offensive sexual activity, is generally protected, but the government can regulate it on radio and television if there is a compelling reason and it is done in the least restrictive manner.
  • Defamation: Private and public figures can sue someone for making false statements about them. Public figures must prove that the person made the statement with malice, while private figures must prove that the person failed to act with reasonable care.
  • Incitement: Speech that intends to incite violations of the law is not protected under the First Amendment.
  • Fighting words: Speech that is likely to provoke violence or a physical altercation is not protected.

It's important to note that private entities, such as companies and private employers, can regulate speech on their platforms and within their workplace since the First Amendment only applies to the government. For example, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were able to ban President Donald Trump from their sites in 2021 without legal repercussion.

In the case Manhattan Community Access Corporation v. Halleck, the Supreme Court affirmed that private entities are not restricted by the First Amendment. Manhattan Neighborhood Network, a nonprofit that operates public access channels in Manhattan, suspended two employees after receiving complaints about a film they produced. The employees argued that this was a violation of their First Amendment rights, but the Supreme Court held that the nonprofit couldn't be subjected to the First Amendment since it was not a government entity or a state actor.

Similarly, in Nyabwa v. Facebook, the Southern District of Texas affirmed that private entities are not subject to the First Amendment. The plaintiff sued Facebook for locking his account after he spoke about President Donald Trump's business conflicts of interest. The court dismissed the lawsuit, stating that the First Amendment only prevents Congress and other government entities from restricting freedom of speech, not private entities.

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Thespinelessspinnerspinnedspinepriortopervingpines
20:11
The sat. You gotta go back to square 1
crabapple
20:12
Ropes probably thin as fuck
20:12
Go retake yo 145 bruh
crabapple
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Bro go take an AP exam and get back to me
Thespinelessspinnerspinnedspinepriortopervingpines
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I got a 1600 dumbass
crabapple
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Let’s talk when u got a score on the books for APES
Thespinelessspinnerspinnedspinepriortopervingpines
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My ap stat score higher than ur dick is long
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Who GAF I dint even take SAT
crabapple
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U seem like you were homeschooled
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Why u say that
crabapple
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You think you gonna get decisions after two weeks
crabapple
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Come back in April
crabapple
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Maybe May
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I betta
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crabapple
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Hawk Utah. Admit me to that law school thang!
got a 161 finally
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@DistinctAcceptableSeagull: congrats
It’s been 4 weeks and 2 days since I submitted my application and I am tired of being disappointed by quora email notifications
does anyone know of an American University (AUWCL) admitted student group chat?
EquallySneakyDachshund
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Is anyone else waiting on ten schools and need to put deposit down for their other schools they aren't sure of yet? I can't wait u til April to get more acceptances! Gotta lay that deposit and possibly lose money if I get ad
EquallySneakyDachshund
10:56
Admitted at my top choice
DesertedSparklingFox
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NOICE!!
11ama
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@EquallySneakyDachshund: You can ask them politely, to extend your seat deposit deadline.
crabapple
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I wish there was a llama here but there's only a 11ama
CheeseIsMyLoveLanguage
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@EquallySneakyDachshund: Scroll down to Commitments. https://www.lsac.org/about/lsac-policies/statement-good-admission-and-financial-aid-practices
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Aztec legend says whenever you drink an agave spirit a rabbit inhabits your soul for the time being. I have consumed 5 tequilas. I wonder what rabbits are in me.
crabapple
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Me 😛
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Spooooky crab apple
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