What's freedom of speech?
Freedom of speech is the political right to communicate one's opinions and ideasm, Also known as freedom of expression, is sometimes used synonymously, but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used. In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, as with libel, slander, obscenity, sedition, (including, for example inciting ethnic hatred), copyright violations, revelation of information that is classified or otherwise.
According to UN Article 19 of the ICCPR states that "Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice". Article 19 goes on to say that the exercise of these rights carries "special duties and responsibilities" and may "therefore be subject to certain restrictions" when necessary "[f]or respect of the rights or reputation of others" or "[f]or the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or morals".
In 1644 on a topic of unlicence printing ban Mr John Milton made an impassioned plea for freedom of expression and toleration of falsehood to house of parlement London, stating: "Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties." This a classic definition of freedom of speech that has been eroded from modern societie.
Do you believe in freedom of speech,Now that our elected politicians can't speak their mind?
