Imagine a time when one could be fined, imprisoned and even killed for just simply speaking one's mind. Speech is the basic vehicle for communication of beliefs, thoughts and ideas. Without the right to speak one's mind freely one would be forced to agree with everything society stated. For example, in sixteenth century England, a loyal subject of Henry VII was imprisoned for saying, "I like not the proceedings of this realm." In earlier times this would have been punishable by death for treason. .
With freedom of speech one's own ideas can be expressed freely and the follower's belief will be stronger. The words sound so simple, but without them the world would be a very different place. Without the right to speak freely one would not be able to debate, nor would one be able to receive full coverage on world issues. There would be no interesting newspapers, no free religion and no free thoughts. This amendment seems so simple but, the boundaries of which issues and incidents which are covered are complex and varied. The reason being is there are more ways of speech which are listed further in this essay.
The first amendment states, "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".
There three types of speech. .
1. There is pure speech; which is only spoken word, such as church, debts, and meetings. This form falls under the boundaries of the first amendment. .
2. Speech-plus is speech with actions; like protest, marches and picketing. Generally, actions are not as protected as pure speech. .
3. Thirdly, there is symbolic speech; it conveys its own message without words. This is known as "expressive conduct". .