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Citizens of the United States have a right to free speech.
This right is given in the first amendment.
"The First Amendment protects people’s freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. " (15-1 pg 2)

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This right allows people to express their views, especially in terms of religion and politics.
"The First Amendment exists to protect ideas that may be unpopular or different from those of the majority. Freedom of speech protects everyone, including people who criticize the government or express unconventional views." (15-1 pg 2

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In Authoritarian Countries, people do not have the same rights. The government restricts the media to be more powerful.

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Free speech has some limits. The government must put first public safety of the people. EX: You cannot yell "Fire" in a crowded building. This is important, as it prevents people from panic and injury.

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Freedom of speech can vary by time and place. EX " The rights of public school students may at times conflict with the rights of others or interfere with the need to maintain a good learning environment." (15-1 pg 8)

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Freedom of Speech also protects a person who is listening to a spoken opinion. People have the right to be exposed to various opinions.

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The protection of Seditious speech is debated, as it could lead to public endangerment, however it is also political opinion.

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At one time, commercial speech was not protected by the constitution. It is today, only not to the same extent as political speech.

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Laws about free speech must be clear so that everyone can understand them.

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"Fighting words" are not protected as free speech. This is important, especially in regards to public safety. If someone is threatened by "fighting words" they can alert law enforcement.
"Still, courts very rarely use the 'fighting words' doctrine today. Even offensive, provocative speech that makes its listeners very angry is generally protected and not considered to be fighting words."
(15-1 pg 5)

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Seditious Speech : "speech urging the resistance to lawful authority or advocating the overthrow of the government" (15-1 pg 6)

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"Fighting Words" are defined as "words spoken face-to-face that are likely to cause immediate violence" (15-1 pg 5)

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Defamation is not protected by the constitution. This is important as it protects people individually. Someone who speaks or writes defamation can be sued.

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Obscenity as a form of speech is not protected by the constitution. This is important, as it protects the general public from explicit media and discussion. Ex: Pornography

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Obscenity : "anything that treats sex or nudity in an offensive or lewd manner, violates recognized standards of decency, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" (15-1 pg 4)

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Defamation: "false expression that injures a person's reputation" (15-1 pg 5)

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Commercial Speech: "speech where the speaker is more likely to be engaged in commerce and the intended audience is commercial, actual, or potential consumers" (15-1 pg 5)

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Symbolic Speech: "the use of actions and symbols, in addition to or instead of words, to express ideas" (15-1 pg 3)

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Pure Speech is "verbal expression before an audience that has chosen to listen" (15-1 pg 3)