• Law
College

When can hate speech be limited?

A. Never. It is a protected form of speech.

B. When it contains racial slurs or other forms of offensive speech or conduct.

C. When it refers to a protected group or a public figure.

D. If it meets the conditions of imminent lawless action.

Answer :

Final answer:

Hate speech can be limited primarily when it meets the conditions of imminent lawless action, as established by the Brandenburg v. Ohio ruling. Other exceptions include speech that represents fighting words or genuine threats. Therefore, not all expressions of hate are protected under the First Amendment.


Explanation:

When Can Hate Speech Be Limited?

The question of when hate speech can be limited revolves around the principles of free speech as outlined in the First Amendment. Generally speaking, most forms of offensive expression are protected, but there are specific circumstances under which hate speech may be restricted.

Hate speech can be limited if it meets the conditions of imminent lawless action. This was established in the landmark case Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), where the Supreme Court ruled that speech advocating for illegal action is protected unless it specifically incites or produces imminent lawless action that is likely to occur. For example, if someone incites a riot or violence at a rally, that kind of speech may not be protected under the First Amendment.

Other forms of speech, such as fighting words or genuine threats, are also not protected. For example, shouting derogatory slurs at an individual in a provocative manner may be outside the bounds of protected speech, especially if it is intended to incite immediate violence. Additionally, laws that ban threatening symbolic speech, like cross burning intended to intimidate a specific group, have been sanctioned by the Supreme Court as well.

In summary, while the First Amendment protects a wide array of speech, there are recognized limitations, particularly when speech is aimed at inciting violence or constitutes direct threats to safety.


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