- #1
SW VandeCarr
- 2,199
- 81
Does free speech guarantee an unlimited right to ridicule? It seems this concept is always being tested. Are certain groups more open to public ridicule than others; say politicians, media stars and other "public" personalities? What about people with disabilities, especially children? How does the "right" to ridicule impinge on those who engage in constitutionally protected activities such as as freedom to worship, or to be free from otherwise illegal discrimination? Is there a right to public bigotry, and how far should it go? Is publically calling for genocide protected speech?
The attached article takes a broad view of the right to ridicule. It's not illegal to ridicule people with disabilities for their disabilities (at least in the US). However, it is possible to win judgments in civil court for the deliberate infliction of emotional distress on an individual if it can be shown it to be "malicious".
I personally believe that ridicule can rise to the level of interfering with the "free exercise" of constitutional rights.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x194852
The attached article takes a broad view of the right to ridicule. It's not illegal to ridicule people with disabilities for their disabilities (at least in the US). However, it is possible to win judgments in civil court for the deliberate infliction of emotional distress on an individual if it can be shown it to be "malicious".
I personally believe that ridicule can rise to the level of interfering with the "free exercise" of constitutional rights.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x194852
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