Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Research Paper Example Unfortunately for all of the wonderful personal and societal freedoms that are protected, by the 1st Amendment, its protection also allows some questionable speeches, attitudes, and actions that may be less than deserving of that protection to continue. Some people today feel that certain forms of â€Å"freedom of speech† should be regulated, while others believe that it will only result in censorship and creep into areas where it should not be. However, the protection of freedom of speech is allowing things like bullying and hate crimes to continually slip through the cracks. For this reason it seems only ethical to reform the 1st Amendment to tackle these issues and continue to allow the spirit of freedom of speech to be maintained while making it harder and less legal to cause harm to others under the guise of freedom of speech. HISTORY The 1st Amendment reads â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances† (Michigan States University , 2013). ... When such cases where freedom of speech has been put into question the court must review the situation from a specific perspectives."Content neutrality" refers to the reality that the court cannot be involved in the government limiting the artistic expression of any American, even if that expression may be found objectionable by some viewers or listeners (America Civil Liberties Union, 2006). However, it should be made clear that the 1st Amendment refers to the government and political involvement in an issue’ this does not cover any and all applications of freedom of speech. For example no one is â€Å"consequence free† when they decide that their need for expression influences them to shout â€Å"fire!† in a crowded building when there is not one. Or for things one says at their job. The first Amendment cannot always be used as a means to protect ones employment and to gain a free pass for telling off their boss, arguing with employees, or bad-mouthing the comp any that they work for. The 1st Amendment does not cover private businesses only prevents the government from interfering (Freedman, 2012), DISCUSSION Our founding fathers did not intend that the Amendment would be used by those with ulterior motives to spreads propaganda, hate, and agendas filled with cruel words. They certainly did not think that people should be able to say whatever they feel like saying without any repercussions, after all the founding fathers believed that if another said false words against you could be taken to court and accuse them of slander. It is these instances that many Americans are beginning to believe require government intervention and regulation. While others admit