right to free speech | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction

The Right to Free Speech comes from the First Amendment and guarantees the right of the people to share their ideas with others, often referred to as the freedom of expression.


The right to free speech is one of the most important constitutional rights in the United States and is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The right to free speech ensures that individuals have the ability to express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation from the government. This right includes the freedom of expression in all its forms, including verbal and written communication, artistic expression, and symbolic speech.

The right to free speech is essential to the functioning of a democratic society. It allows individuals to express their views on matters of public concern, advocate for their interests, and hold those in power accountable. It also ensures that individuals have access to a broad range of ideas and perspectives, which is essential for making informed decisions and participating fully in public life.

Despite the importance of the right to free speech, there are limits to this right. The government may regulate speech in certain circumstances, such as when it poses a threat to national security, incites violence, or is obscene or offensive. However, these limitations must be narrowly tailored and must not infringe on the core principles of free speech.

In the prison context, the right to free speech is particularly important, as inmates are often subject to significant restrictions on their ability to communicate with the outside world or to express their views on matters of public concern. While inmates do not have the same level of free speech rights as individuals outside of prison, they do have some protections under the law.

For example, the Supreme Court has held that inmates have a right to receive and send mail, subject to reasonable restrictions for security purposes. In addition, inmates have the right to access the courts, which includes the ability to send and receive legal documents and communicate with attorneys. However, these rights may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when they pose a threat to the safety and security of the prison or interfere with the rehabilitative goals of the institution.


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Last Modified: 04/23/2023

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