Protected speech refers to forms of expression that are safeguarded by the First Amendment, such as opinions, beliefs, and political statements. Unprotected speech, on the other hand, includes categories like obscenity, incitement to violence, and defamation, which are not shielded by the law and can be subject to legal restrictions.
The Courts have ruled over time that most, but not all, speech is protected by the Court system. The unprotected forms of speech are generally * sedition (presenting a clear threat to overthrow the government), * obscenity (mostly just hard-core or child porn) * "fighting words," (those which incite a hostile reaction) * defamation (slander or libel against a public figure), * some commercial speech (what businesses advertise, etc) (taken from RioSalado Online, POS222 American Constitution)
It is very important that some speech be unprotected. If something like slander were legal, then it would be free reign for those trying to spread outright lies about innocent individuals.
The Supreme Court has identified three types of speech: fully protected speech, which includes political or artistic expression and is protected by the First Amendment; partially protected speech, which includes commercial speech and is subject to certain restrictions; and unprotected speech, such as obscenity, defamation, and speech that incites violence, which is not protected by the First Amendment.
The word "distinction" is a noun. It refers to a difference or contrast between similar things, or a recognition of excellence or uniqueness.
censorship of information before it is published is called
Speech plus conduct refers to the idea that certain forms of speech, when combined with accompanying actions, may lose protection under the First Amendment. This concept is used to determine whether certain expressive activities, such as demonstrations or protests, are protected or unprotected based on the context in which they occur.
Sedition
political speech
Yes, courts traditionally uphold the right to free speech, particularly in democratic societies like the United States, where the First Amendment protects this right. However, this protection is not absolute; courts often draw distinctions between protected speech and unprotected categories, such as incitement to violence, obscenity, and defamation. Judicial interpretations can vary, but the overarching principle remains that free speech is a fundamental right, crucial for fostering open discourse in society.
symbolic speech.
The most protected and highly regarded form of speech is core political speech. This is a type of speech that is purely expressive in its nature and has a high importance to a functional republic.
freedom of speech