Freedom of Speech: A Pillar of Democracy and Its Judicial Boundaries
Introduction Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, emphasizing every individual's inherent dignity and worth. Rooted deeply in the history of Western civilization and codified in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, this right is celebrated for fostering creativity, facilitating informed public discourse, and acting as a check against government oppression. However, like all rights, freedom of speech is not absolute. Over the years, U.S. courts, primarily the Supreme Court, have navigated the delicate balance between preserving the sanctity of free expression and addressing concerns for public safety, individual rights, and societal harmony. A Brief Historical Overview Freedom of speech is not just a modern democratic ideal but is rooted in ancient civilizations. The value of free expression has been continuously recognized from the open forums of Ancient Greece to the pens of Enlightenment thinkers. In the U.S., the framers of the Constitution, influ