Question

is this a freedom?
directions: read the following scenarios. decide weather each would be protected as \freedom of speech,\ write a y (yes) or n (no) in the blank. you must write a brief explanation for your answer.
does freedom of speech give a person the right to:

1. shout \fire\ in a crowded movie theater?
2. debate the value of nuclear weapons with another citizen?
3. sing the national anthem in a screeching manner at a sporting event?
4. wear political symbols to school, such as a button that says \down with american\?
5. demonstrate peacefully in front of the white house to protest the president’s plan to send troops to the middle east?
6. use sexually suggestive, but not obscene, language in a campaign speech for high school student government?
7. verbally abuse another person?
8. not participate in the reciting of the \pledge of allegiance\?
9. damage another person’s reputation by spreading false rumors?
10. encourage illegal action. such as violence, in a public speech?
11. stage a march by the ku klux klan?
12. burn the american flag?

Explanation:

Answer:

1. N. Shouting "FIRE" in a crowded theater causes panic and harm.
2. Y. Debate is a form of protected speech.
3. Y. Singing (even poorly) is a form of expression.
4. Y. Political symbols are a form of speech (Tinker v. Des Moines).
5. Y. Peaceful protest is protected.
6. N. Sexually suggestive language in a school campaign is inappropriate.
7. N. Verbal abuse is not protected.
8. Y. Not participating in the Pledge is a form of expression.
9. N. Spreading false rumors (libel/slander) is not protected.
10. N. Encouraging illegal action (incitement) is not protected.
11. Y. Marches (even by controversial groups) are protected (unless inciting violence).
12. Y. Flag - burning is symbolic speech (Texas v. Johnson).