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')

Book Reference

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


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.