Freedom of Speech

Our guarantee to freedom of speech is included in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The following links provide an in-depth explanation of freedom of speech and its limitations:

http://www.answers.com/topic/freedom-of-speech (provides historical development of the concept of freedom of speech, its limitations, theories about its importance and uses in a democratic society.)

http://www.answers.com/first%20amendment (puts freedom of speech in context with the other freedoms listed in the First Amendment)