Freedom of Speech Essay Examples

Freedom of speech—the right to express opinions without government restraint—is a democratic ideal that dates back to ancient Greece. In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees free speech, though the United States, like all modern democracies, places limits on this freedom.

The right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas.

It is thought that the ancient Athenian democratic principle of free speech may have emerged in the late 6th or early 5th century BC. Today, freedom of speech is recognized in international and regional human rights law.

“Hate speech” (speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits) is protected in the US by the First Amendment. Greek philosopher Socrates, in 399 BC, was persecuted for an early argument promoting free speech.
70% of Americans agreed that people should have the right to free speech, even if their words are highly offensive.
Thanks to Tinker v. Des Moines in 1969, students retain their right to free speech during school hours.