• Law
College

What is not protected under freedom of speech?

A. Political protests
B. Criticism of government officials
C. Incitement of imminent lawless action
D. Debates on public sidewalks

Answer :

Final answer:

Freedom of speech is protected in many cases, such as political protests and debates, but there are significant limitations. Incitement to imminent lawless action, along with defamation and fighting words, are not protected forms of speech. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to respect both freedom of expression and public order.


Explanation:

Understanding Freedom of Speech Limitations

While freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the United States, it is not without its restrictions. Certain types of speech are not protected under the First Amendment. Among these, the most critical exclusion is incitement to imminent lawless action, which refers to speech that incites or provokes others to commit violent acts or illegal activities.

To illustrate, if an individual were to shout in a crowded space, "Let's beat up that guy!", this would not be protected speech due to its incitement to violence. Other forms of unprotected speech include defamation (libel and slander), hate speech, and

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