Absolute Right to Free Speech?

[DFWPI]

Interesting news clip I just watched where an officer in another State was fired for making a FaceBook post, and there was a civil service hearing held. I'm not debating the issue of his firing, but the City's attorney was making his argument and stated, "No one has an absolute right to free speech...."

So my question to all, do we, as citizens of this great Nation, have an absolute right to free speech?

And the civil service board ruled in officer's favor and he got his job back.

[westtexducks]

I would say no. Should you be able to go screaming into a movie theater and start yelling fire hysterically and causing mass panic and chaos? Other than a few exceptions like the above though I think you should have the right to free speech my facebook page though is mine so I should be able to post whatever the hell I want. But at the same time don't be stupid about using your facebook either as it is a public form of media.

[DFWPI]

I do agree on the fire part or anything to cause mass hysteria.

[Bowhuntamistad]

I would say no. Should you be able to go screaming into a movie theater and start yelling fire hysterically and causing mass panic and chaos? Other than a few exceptions like the above though I think you should have the right to free speech my facebook page though is mine so I should be able to post whatever the hell I want. But at the same time don't be stupid about using your facebook either as it is a public form of media.

Spot on reasoning!

[Atfulldraw]

You think most people who use the words, actually understand them?

the attorney is correct, you don't have an absolute right to free speech.

Freedom of speech, yes. But even that has limitations.

[bpa556]

You think most people who use the words, actually understand them?

the attorney is correct, you don't have an absolute right to free speech.

Freedom of speech, yes. But even that has limitations.

Perfectly stated^^

On to the next thread...

[TxMedic]

Absolutely...we are protected by the Constitution to be able to say any stupid, mean, racist, bigoted think we want to...however, freedom of speech in no way protects you from the consequences that may stem from those actions.

[Bily Lovec]

of course you dont.

[mudcatz71]

I think we have free speech protecting us from legal trouble! I do think if I didn't keep my mouth shut on how I feel about some people I probably wouldn't have a job either!

[eaglegolfj]

Just use common scense. Thats all I got.

[Razorback01]

Txmedic nailed it. I can saw what I want here at work with very little worry from the legal system, but I would also be unemployed-consequences.

[boogercounty]

Medic is spot on. The right is absolute, but there are consequences sometimes.

[Playa]

You guys are confusing free speech the right to work. Nobody is threatening to put the guy in prison over what he said. But, your employer doesn't have to keep you employed if what you post on FB or verbalize is against company policy, disparaging to the company or other.

And yes, there are limitations even to speech. When speech threatens the safety of others or national security, well you are going to find yourself in trouble.

[TXHUNT3R]

Absolutely...we are protected by the Constitution to be able to say any stupid, mean, racist, bigoted think we want to...however, freedom of speech in no way protects you from the consequences that may stem from those actions.

I think this is pretty spot on

[AJMag]

Medic put it just as my business law professor (also a lawyer) put it.

You have the freedom to say whatever you want, but you don't have the freedom from consequence.