Freedom Of Speech: Schenck Vs United States

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How important is freedom of speech? What about National security? Is one more important than the other? Is there some type(s) of speech that are dangerous and should it be restricted? I firmly believe that we should have our right to freedom of speech. So, no, I don’t think it should be restricted. However, that doesn't mean free speech can be used as an excuse to validate other behavior. With this said, I still think that security is more important than freedom.
Arresting those protesting on private "no trespassing" property is not a denial of free speech. I really get irked about that kind of misrepresentation and people crying over first amendment rights. Death threats are not a form of free speech. They are a threat. Calling a soldier that …show more content…
The United States. In Schenck vs. U.S., Schenck passed out anti-war pamphlets during World War 1. The pamphlets urged "Do not submit to intimidation" but advised only peaceful action such as petitioning to repeal the Conscription Act. Schenck was charged with conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act by attempting to cause defiance in the military and to obstruct recruitment. The question was: Were Schenck’s actions, words and expression protected by the free speech clause of the First Amendment? The Supreme Court ruled that the Espionage Act was not in violation of the first amendment. The Espionage Act of 1917 forbade any attempt to interfere with the military. It prohibited insubordination and interference with recruitment. The policy made by the case established the “Clear and Danger Test”. Congress had the right to stop insubordination during wartime.
On May 4th, 1970, the Kent State Massacre happened. it was a protest against the Vietnam War. National Guard were called in to stop the protest. They fired on unarmed college students and wound up sending a shockwave of political unrest on college campuses. Students on many campuses began holding signs in protest saying “They can’t kill us …show more content…
The Alien Act made it so that the President can deport any alien he saw as a threat to the nation. No trial, evidence or defense was needed. The Alien Enemies Act made it so that the President may deport any aliens from an enemy country or impose severe restraints, more commonly known as imprisonment. The Sedation Act made it illegal to conspire against any law of the government. It also made it illegal to print or speak against the government or President. I consider security to be more important than freedom. For a small group of students in my school, the thoughts concerning this topic are so drastically different that it is our policy to refuse to discuss it with others when we know it will start an argument.
Freedom and security do not necessarily refer to matters of national importance. They can be used in many situations. For example, when looking for a job, some people consider how secure they will be having a routine 9 to 5 job with little change in schedule. This ensures that their daily needs will be taken care of and they don't need to worry about
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