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Single Idea 20586

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 3. Free speech]

Full Idea

Oliver Wendell Holmes (in 1919) noted that freedom of speech does not include the right to shout 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre.

Gist of Idea

Free speech does not include the right to shout 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre

Source

Tuckness,A/Wolf,C (This is Political Philosophy [2017], 1 'Conflict')

A Reaction

The point here is that such irresponsible free speech does not even require legislation, and there is probably already some law under which the perpetrator could be prosecuted.

Book Reference

Tuckness,A / Wolf,C: 'This is Political Philosophy' [Wiley Blackwell 2017], p.22