Free SPeech

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging freedom of speech, of the press, or the right of the people peacefully to assemble and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.” This is the First Amendment – possibly the most powerful words in American history because it guarantees American citizens their natural rights under the supreme law of the land. The First Amendment gives American citizens the freedom of religion, peaceful assembly, speech and press. With this simple law, people can speak their innermost thoughts without fear of government intervention. But this amendment raises an important and troubling issue. What if this glorious right causes other people fear or shame?
Throughout the years, the Supreme Court has restricted certain kinds of speech to protect the American citizens. One kind of restricted speech is libel, which is a written lie. In a case of Sullivan vs. the New ...