Freedom of Speech

Essay by siakajoeUniversity, Bachelor'sA-, July 2010

download word file, 5 pages 2.5 1 reviews


I have chosen to write my paper on the freedom of speech. This right is given to us through the constitution of the United States. I believe that being able to say what I want and state my opinion on different things without being prosecuted is a very important right that we have in America. This freedom is a part of the American government, which shows that the United States is a well developed nation and listens to all of the its citizens. There are many places around the world where people do not have any say whatsoever in what goes on in their own country, let alone can they voice their concerns. As Americans this right along with the right to report news events keeps us well informed.

Sometimes we may not agree on what someone else believes, but we should realize that it is their right to voice their opinions.

Being able to do this makes our country strong and gives everyone a chance to understand others. Without this freedom people could not stand up for what they believe in. Without the freedom of speech all other freedoms are lost. Freedom of thought and expression is particularly important on college campuses. The educational forum is where individuals come together to participate in a process of shared inquiry and where the success of that attempt depends on an atmosphere of openness, intellectual honesty and tolerance for different ideas. If speech on campuses is restricted, students might be afraid to voice their opinions in fear of punishment. Ideology and inspiration on campus could ultimately cease. Federal and state laws restrict many kinds of expression, such as libel, slander, obscenity and treason, because they are damaging to a society as a whole. Slander and libel, is when someone lies...