Free Speech Study Guide 1. What is a function that freedom of speech serves the community? 2. How is a government, that does not know what people are thinking, dangerous? 3. What is a main action that could not take place without freedom of speech? 4. What beneficiating factors does freedom of speech bring that we can see from looking at other governments such as Iraq? 5. Review the definition of free speech. 6. Define the following: a. Distributors b. Hate speech c. Libel and slander d. Fighting words e. Pervasiveness f. Obscenity 7. What were the opposing views in the Tinker vs. Des Moines case? 8. Describe the fact, issue, and outcome of the Miller vs. California Supreme Court Case. 9. Did the justices ever fully reach a decision on the Morse vs. Frederick case? 10. Describe the causes for the United States vs. American Library Association case. 11. What is the issue with online communication? 12. Read Timeline: A history of free speech and then answer the following questions: a. Who said this: “He who destroys a good book, kills reason itself” i. In other words, familiarize yourself with the quotes (not only can they be amusing, but also could be useful later).
b. What documents were published throughout history that guaranteed the right to free speech? 13. Describe the unconstitutional acts of 1798 i.e. define each one and give a reason as to why each was unconstitutional. a. Were these acts used before they were terminated? 14. What are considered limitations of free speech? 15. Why is flag burning not unconstitutional? 16.