What is NOT Free Speech

What does this poster mean?

The Right to Free Speech DOES NOT

Include:

-To incite actions that would harm others -To make or distribute obscene materials. -To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest. -To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration. -Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event.-Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event.-Statements that harm a person’s reputation www.uscourts.gov

To Incite Actions that Harm Others

Yell “Fire” or “Bomb” in a public place (i.e. movie theater)

“I’m going to kill you” or “I’m going to beat you up”

*This includes both written or spoken words

Statements that Harm a Person’s Reputation

DEFAMATIONa false accusation of an offense or a

malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions.

Libel

Written form

Slander

Spoken form

What You Can Say

Mr. Parker is a bad teacher

President Obama is not a good President

Their food is bad

What You Cannot Say

Mr. Parker is a bad teacher because he steals from his students

President Obama is not a good President because he is a Socialist

Their food is poisoned