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Chapter 13.3 Freedom of Speech. 1 st amendment of the U.S. Constitution “Congress should make no law…prohibiting the free exercise of…free speech” What exactly does this mean? . Let’s go back in time….to 1579. John Stubbs Newspaper writer in England.
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Chapter 13.3 Freedom of Speech • 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution • “Congress should make no law…prohibiting the free exercise of…free speech” • What exactly does this mean?
Let’s go back in time….to 1579 • John Stubbs • Newspaper writer in England. • Wrote an article criticizing Queen Elizabeth’s proposed marriage to Philip II of Spain. • Queen Elizabeth was very unhappy…. • What could she do?
Off with his hand…. • Why his hand? • So that he could not write another mean thing about the Queen for as long as he lived. • Why do I bring this up? • 1798 • POTUS John Adams used this example to explain why the alien and sedition acts were necessary! • Made it illegal in U.S. to say anything “false, scandalous, and malicious against the federal government”. • Expired in 1801 under POTUS T.Jefferson
So the debate continues… • When do we have the freedom of speech? • All of the time!!!! • Except when it comes to national security. • Why? • Constitution gives federal government right “to protect against foreign powers and domestic threats.
Types of domestic threats against government • Treason • Act of aiding and comforting an enemy in a time of war!!! • What is the penalty for treason? • Death!!!
Is this treason? • Benedict Arnold • During American Revolution • Was General in American militia • Was actually a spy for Britain!! • Tried to give them a fort under his command!! • When found out, he ran to the British.
Is this treason? • Civil War (1861-1865) • The Confederate States (“The South”) rebelled against “The North’s government”. • What do you do with the rebels after the North wins? • Does Abe Lincoln accuse them of treason??
World War I (1917-1919) • Congress passes sedition acts • Denying the right to use any language that encourages people to rebel against lawful government. • Why did they pass this? • Afraid immigrant citizens might rebel in U.S. • German Americans • Austrian Americans • Hungarian Americans
Effects of Sedition Acts during WWI • 1,900 people arrested in over 32 states! • 100 newspapers were shut down for sedition! • You can not actively speak of overthrowing the government!!! • IT IS SEDITIOUS!!
End of Sedition Acts • End after WWI • Question: • Is that the last time the government has limited our “free speech”?
9/11 –Patriot Act • Patriot Act (2001) • increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to: • search telephone • e-mail communications • medical, financial, and other records
What are we protected against? • Libel • Written statements or visual presentations that harms another’s character for no reason. • Slander • Verbal defamation • You say something mean to embarrass or hurt someone else without any facts to support your statements. • What or who is sued the most for libel and slander? • Newspapers and political activists
What else are we protected against? • Hate speech • Expressions of hate based on characteristics such as • Race • Sex • Religion
What else is protected? • Symbolic speech • An action meant to deliver a message • Flag burning • T-shirt slogans • Works of art • Sit –ins • Music lyrics
Homework • Pg. 311 • 1 through 4 • ALL OF THEM!!!