Free Speech and Press Lawyers

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Freedom of Speech and Press

The First Amendment provides some of the most basic and fundamental rights guaranteed to people in the United States. Of these fundamental rights, many consider the rights to freedom of speech and press paramount. Both the federal and state governments are prohibited from limiting an individual's rights to expression, whether it is through speech, press, assembly, or association.

Why is Free Speech and Press Important?

The right to free speech is an essential ingredient to any civilized and healthy society. Some of the benefits of free speech include:

What Rights to Expression Do I Have?

As Americans, we are fortunate to have a guaranteed right to freedom of expression. This right allows us to express ourselves freely, through any medium, without fear of government prosecution or censorship. Under the First Amendment, you can:

Government Censorship

Although the First Amendment grants a right to freedom of speech, not all speech is constitutionally protected (see article entitled: Lawyer Resource Center: The First Amendment. Some forms of speech are unprotected, while others receive limited or conditional protection. These types of speech are denied full protection because the Supreme Court has determined that the intrinsic value of such speech is nominal. The following categories of speech are constitutionally unprotected:

Should I Consult with Freedom of Speech and the Press Lawyers?

If you feel that your constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech or the press have been compromised, you should contact a constitutional law attorney. Speaking with the proper lawyer experienced in your constitutional protections will inform you of your rights as well as preserve any possible legal remedies you may have.

Vea esta página en español: Libertad de Habla y Prensa o visita Abogados-Leyes.com para más información legal.

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Last Modified: 02-11-2011 08:17 AM PST

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