The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term symbolic speech refers to an action that expresses an idea or opinion without using words alone. The law recognizes that verbal words are not the only way for people to express themselves, and so other methods of expression are protected by the Free Speech Clause of the Constitution. These may include such acts as the wearing of certain […]
Read moreFreedom of speech is a person’s right to speak his or her own opinions, beliefs, or ideas, without having to fear that the government will retaliate against him, restrict him, or censor him in any way. The term “freedom of expression” is often used interchangeably, though the “expression” in this sense has more to do with the way in which […]
Read moreThe term censorship refers to the suppression, banning, or deletion of speech, writing, or images that are considered to be indecent, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Censorship becomes a civil rights issue when a government or other entity with authority, suppresses ideas, or the expression of ideas, information, and self. In the U.S., censorship has been debated for decades, as some […]
Read moreThe term prior restraint refers to a governmental restriction on speech or other expression before it can take place. This is seen by many as a blatant violation of the First Amendment rights enjoyed by all Americans, but is sometimes used by courts concerned about the effect publicity might have on a person’s right to a fair trial. Prior restraint […]
Read moreObscenity is a legal term that refers to anything that offends a person’s morals. This may be doing something that is indecent, lewd, or obscene. Obscenity is commonly used in reference to pornography, though it pertains to much more. The courts have found determining just what qualifies as obscenity, as it is subject to each individual person’s moral values. The […]
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