The History of Speech Freedom

Almost the entirety of ideas in the declaration of independence and the constitution were formed from practices that began during the early Colonial period, as well as those which are a result of events that had led up to the American Revolution. these ideas create the foundation of the American country and its living experience. Without these beliefs and practices, America would not be the democratic and advanced country that its everyday society proves it to be. Two of these at the time groundbreaking ideas were freedom of speech and the right to trial by jury. Both of these ideas are similar in their giving of freedom to the citizens. This is due to America basing its modern law system on the people rather than only the comfort of the higher-ups and government.

Freedom of speech can be dated back to 399 BCE. It was at this time that Socrates said this famous quote during his trial “If you offered to let me off this time on the condition I am not any longer to speak my mind... I should say to you, 'Men of Athens, I shall obey the Gods rather than you.' by saying this he showed that free speech is a natural right, not one granted or taken away by society. A bit later in the 5th century BCE, the ancient Greeks created their own adaptation of free speech as a democratic. The ancient Greek word for free speech was“parrhesia”. The term first appeared in Greek writing and literature.It wasn't until centuries later that the topic of free speech resurfaced during the year 1215. It was that year that the Magna Carta much to king John's dismay was signed. The signing of this document granted many rights to English citizens. Still to this day, the Magna Carta is considered a major building block in the foundation of liberty and freedom in England, much like the American bill of rights. Following in the Magna carta beliefs, Erasmus of Rotterdam, a Dutch philosopher and Christian humanist taught a prince that “'In a free state, tongues too should be free.' this occurred in the year 1516; and while this happening is less known and celebrated than its successor the Magna Carta, it isn't any less relevant. One century later, in 1633, Galileo Galilei stood before the Inquisition after releasing his findings that the sun does not revolve around the earth. When he said his, at the time absurd” findings, his right of free speech was denied. This was one of the many quietings and punishments of personal opinions due to the lack of proper laws regarding freedom of speech. Eventually, though, England created their own Bill of Rights. They do this in order to create freedom of speech in their Parliament. Not long after France, follows in England’s footsteps, and creates their own document “The Declaration Of The Rights Of Man”, they do this in order to establish their own freedom of speech law.

Finally, after all this historical lead up, America created the first ammemndment of th bill of rights. The frst ammendment provided a protection of free speech. The First Amendment was created on December 15, 1791. One of the downfalls of the first ammenfment was that the ammendment didnt sprecify the exact meaning of freedom of speech. Due to this, many courts have had to discuss and ultimatly decide what form of free speech shall and shant be protected by law.