Simply put it's the right to say anything you want to say without being penalized by the government as long as you're not inviting crime, spewing out fighting words, making true threats, or saying obscenity, you're pretty much good to go.
The maturity to recognise that everybody has their their own truth - no matter how abhorrent other aspects of their behaviour or opinions may be - and coaxing that truth out from amongst all the clutter.
Freedom of speech is an abstract concept. It has never existed anywhere. My definition would be the right to say or write anything you like without consequences. But that is impossible. There will always be consequences, such as being sued under libel and slander laws, getting fired or beaten up or killed because someone doesn't like what you said. And of course, hate speech and inciting others to violence - that's literally freedom of speech, too, isn't it?
There is no 'my definition', there is only 'the definition':
the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.
Of course the exact wording my change depending on the dictionary you look at, but the content is the same - to be free from prosecution for one's speech.
People who cry 'freedom of speech' when they get censored on a website very clearly do not understand the concept of freedom of speech.
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Wakarimasen
to be able to say anything you want to say publicly. no exceptions.
Novenachama
Simply put it's the right to say anything you want to say without being penalized by the government as long as you're not inviting crime, spewing out fighting words, making true threats, or saying obscenity, you're pretty much good to go.
onagagamo
To be able to call a spade a spade.
Jimizo
'The maturity to recognise that everybody has their their own truth'
Yes, and the maturity for those whose 'truths' are criticised or ridiculed to respond in an adult, considered manner.
SenseNotSoCommon
The maturity to recognise that everybody has their their own truth - no matter how abhorrent other aspects of their behaviour or opinions may be - and coaxing that truth out from amongst all the clutter.
smartacus
Freedom of speech is an abstract concept. It has never existed anywhere. My definition would be the right to say or write anything you like without consequences. But that is impossible. There will always be consequences, such as being sued under libel and slander laws, getting fired or beaten up or killed because someone doesn't like what you said. And of course, hate speech and inciting others to violence - that's literally freedom of speech, too, isn't it?
nath
There is no 'my definition', there is only 'the definition':
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/freedom%20of%20speech?s=tOf course the exact wording my change depending on the dictionary you look at, but the content is the same - to be free from prosecution for one's speech.
People who cry 'freedom of speech' when they get censored on a website very clearly do not understand the concept of freedom of speech.
divine intervention
To be able to post freely on JT without the censorship