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  • Essay / On the Issue of Hate Speech - 1202

    Almost every American today has heard of the First Amendment and its protection of free speech. This protection allows for a free exchange of ideas between members of society. Without it, Americans would not be able to voice their criticism of anything without fear of arrest. However, in the past, the government has repeatedly limited this fundamental right. During World War I, Charles Schenck distributed leaflets criticizing the national project. He was arrested and the Supreme Court ruled that his arrest was acceptable because his actions represented "a clear and present danger." There are other limits to defamation and slander. Today, with these limitations imposed in the past and with a growing multicultural society in America, the debate on a certain issue has slowly intensified. Should hate speech be protected as free speech, or should it be suppressed? Hate speech is defined as “incitement of hatred primarily against a group of people defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity” . etc. » (“Hate speech law and legal definition” definition.uslegal.com). Throughout history, American society has been closely tied to such discourse directed toward multiple groups, such as African Americans, Asians, and other immigrant groups. In 1969, Clarence Brandenburg, a KKK leader in Ohio, was arrested under Ohio law for making hate speech and committing hateful acts. However, the Supreme Court, in a landmark decision titled Brandenburg v. Ohio, upheld Brandenburg's right to free speech ("Brandenburg v. Ohio." kids.laws.com). In doing so, the Supreme Court avoided the restriction of hate speech in society. The judges made a wise decision, since limiting hate speech harms middle of paper...... Work Times. The New York Times, June 27, 2012. Web. February 24, 2014.Rauch (Brookings), Jonathan. "A new argument for hate speech laws? Um... No." Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, February 4, 2014. Web. February 23, 2014. Turley, Jonathan. “Shut up and play nice: how the Western world limits free speech.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, October 14, 2012. Web. February 24, 2014. Jefferson, Thomas. “First Inaugural Address in Washington, DC” Speech. 1801 Presidential inauguration. Washington, DC, March 4, 1801. Bartleby.com. Internet. February 23, 2014. “Federal Court rules in favor of free speech in Portland medians. » Aclu.org. American Civil Liberties Union, February 12, 2014. Web. February 24, 2014.Barnes, Robert. “The Supreme Court confronts the line between freedom of expression and security with the case of a protester.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, November 30, 2013. Web. February 24. 2014.