Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without interference, censorship, or punishment by the government. It is one of the fundamental rights granted to the people of the United States under the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states that "Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." The First Amendment also recognizes freedom of religion, the right to assemble peaceably, and the right to petition the government to address grievances. Speech is a form of expression, a broader term that includes information, opinions, and ideas conveyed in verbal and written communication, in artistic expression such as in music, painting, drawing, and dance, and in symbolic expression such as...