Free Speech: An Overview

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to free speech concepts discussed in the lecture.

Censorship

The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information.

Chilling Effect

A situation in which speech is suppressed by fear of penalization.

Protected Speech

Speech that is safeguarded under the First Amendment and cannot be restricted by the government.

Fighting Words

Words that might incite violence or cause immediate harm to the speaker.

Obscenity

Speech or material that is offensive and has no redeeming social value.

Libel

False written statements that are published with the intent to harm someone's reputation.

Slander

False spoken statements that damage a person's reputation.

Imminent Lawless Activity

Speech that is likely to incite immediate illegal actions.

Microaggression

Subtle, often unintentional, discrimination against members of marginalized groups.

Freedom of Expression

The right to express one's opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation.

First Amendment

The amendment to the United States Constitution that protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Act of Protest

Actions taken to express dissatisfaction or urge change, protected as forms of expression.