THE FIRST AMENDMENT

November 2020

 Do you think there should be limits on free speech? If so, how so? If no, why not? Who is responsible for enforcing free speech? What are consequences of violating free speech? Are there exceptions or special considerations?

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I do not believe that there needs to be anymore further limitations on free speech than are already in place. The ability to talk openly and freely is an important aspect of democracy. Without this freedom, our American society would not be able to continually progress, as we have seen it do through the span of our history.  However, there is a point where speech can begin to hinder other rights granted by the Constitution, and that is why there are limitations to ones ability to speak freely. Hate speech, threats of violence or terrorism, and  defamation impede on others ability to exercise their right to happiness and safety, and thus they should continue to be restricted by the government. 

The government is solely responsible for llegally enforcing ones right to free speech, however it is the citizens duty to morally uphold the right to free speech. American ccitizens should advocate for those whose freedom of speech is being denied, and call attention to those exceeding the limitations of free speech. Those who exceed the bounds of free speech can face legal penalties that vary from a fine to jail time, depending on what was said and if it endangered others. 

However, ones freedom of speech is only guaranteed when the government is involved. Private business do not have a legal obligation to uphold free speech, and can not be legally persecuted for failing to uphold a citizens freedom of speech.