Freedom of Speech
Plain English
You can express ideas—even unpopular ones—and criticize officials without government punishment for your viewpoint.
What It Protects
- Political speech, symbols, satire, advocacy
- Publishing and sharing information (with narrow exceptions)
Limits (as interpreted by the courts)
- True threats; incitement of imminent lawless action
- Narrow, content-neutral time/place/manner rules
- Defamation and targeted harassment
Why It Matters
Free debate and dissent are the core of self-government.
Related Cases
Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)
Speech may be punished only if intended and likely to produce imminent lawless action.
Speech may be punished only if intended and likely to produce imminent lawless action.
Common Misunderstandings
Myth
The First Amendment protects me from being banned on social media.
The First Amendment protects me from being banned on social media.
Reality
It restrains the government. Private platforms and employers can set their own rules.
It restrains the government. Private platforms and employers can set their own rules.