Asked by Jayesh Reesaul on Jun 01, 2024
Verified
Christen who just turned eighteen is out with several friends.They decide to see a movie,but it is sold out.Christen hid in the back of the theatre and yelled "Fire" as loudly as she could.Everyone ran out of the theatre,and a number got in their vehicles and left.Christen and her friends thought that seeing the movie was now possible.Unfortunately,a theatre employee saw Christen yelling,called the police,and she was arrested.Christen told the police officers that she was only exercising her free speech rights.She also told the police that the theatre employee lied and that she personally saw him stealing popcorn.The theatre employee told Christen that he was going to sue for defamation,and she told him that she would win based on her right to free speech.Discuss whether Christen is right on one or both counts and why.
Free Speech Rights
The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint by the government, protected under the First Amendment in the United States.
Defamation
A false statement presented as fact that causes injury or damage to the reputation of the person or entity being discussed.
Theatre Employee
A person who works in a theatre, encompassing a range of roles from performing on stage to working behind the scenes.
- Critically analyze and assess limitations on free speech rights and defenses against defamation based on the First Amendment.
Verified Answer
AO
Andrew O'ConnorJun 06, 2024
Final Answer :
While the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech,this right is not absolute.For that reason,Christen did not have the right to yell "Fire" when there actually was no fire.Additionally,the First Amendment does not protect defamatory speech,False statements about another that are injurious to that person's reputation.
Learning Objectives
- Critically analyze and assess limitations on free speech rights and defenses against defamation based on the First Amendment.