0
Why does the Supreme court protect the right to free speech if it is unpopular to most of society?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Superlative question. We are currently drowning in political correctness. Contemporary culture seems to think we should only say, publish or broadcast thoughts that are 'acceptable' to the majority of listeners. Nothing could be, constitutionally, further from the truth. Free speech need not be 'popular' or 'acceptable', much less 'trendy'. If none of us can freely express opinion and fair comment, then we are all headed toward an antlike lowest common denominated cultural communism undreampt of by Plato's Republic. Express yourself!!!
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoOn paper, the Bill of Rights defends any form of freedom of expression in the First Amendment. The courts have backed this amendment several times such as the 'Texas vs Johnson' case of 1989.
However, this isn't always the case; see the 'Roth vs United States' case of 1957.
The Bill of rights should protect freedom of speech, however undesirable it is. However, it is down to the courts of the time to uphold this.
Actually, the legal standard for protected speech varies. Look at the link below for a better discussion of the different types of speech, and how and where exceptions to the blanket protection we usually afford speech.
The popularity of the speech content is not legally relevant - that is, it doesn't matter (from a legal standpoint) if people like the speech or not. In fact, the general rule is that the more unpopular the speech, the greater protection it should be afforded.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Which of these is a reason for protecting freedom of speech in a democratic society?
The freedom of speech is important to protect it because if we dont we could lose are prvalge to have such freedom as we do
Does the bill of rights protect freedom of speecheven if the speech is unpopular?
The Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech ESPECIALLY if it's unpopular. After all, there's no need to protect anyone's right to say things everyone else says and agrees with.
Is distribution of anonymous political leaflets against the freedom of speech?
No. The right for anonymous political campaigning was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission (1995) case: "Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority...It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation-and their ideas from suppression-at the hand of an intolerant society".
Which of the constitution principles do you believe is the most important for our government to protect in today's society?
freedom of speech, right to bear arms, right to protect from self incrimination, right to vote,
What supreme court says about privileged speech for members of congress?
The Supreme Court recognizes "privileged speech" for members of Congress so long as that speech is
Should films and books be sensored to protect the society?
Censorship should be used selectively and only in cases where the content is harmful or dangerous, such as promoting violence or hate speech. In a democratic society, individuals should have the freedom to choose what they want to read or watch. A balanced approach that considers both freedom of expression and protection of society is ideal.
What 2 basic purposes do the guarantees of free expression serve?
Guarantees of free speech and press are intended to protect the expression of unpopular views. Second, prohibits the use of obscene words, the printing and ditributing of obscene materials, and false advertising.
What part of speech is to protect in the sentence I am trying to protect you?
Infinitive
Which veto involves limites on the free speech of unpopular groups by potenially violent public reactions?
president's
Why did the supreme court rule that money is speech?
They didn't.
The supreme court decision in shenck v the united states most affected?
freedom of speech
What did The Supreme Court decision in Schenck v the US most affect?
Freedom of speech
