Freedom of Speech

What is Freedom of Speech?

Within Economics & Civics, which covers money, markets, business, government, law and citizenship: how societies are organised and run, this topic explains Freedom of Speech. Economics and civics topics explain how money, markets, laws and government affect people, so each topic here pairs a clear definition with a model.

Check that you can explain Freedom of Speech in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.

Understanding Freedom of Speech helps you read the news critically and weigh up policies, choices and arguments about society.

Freedom of Speech in detail

Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions without government censorship or punishment. It is protected by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and is considered vital for democracy, debate, scientific progress and holding power to account.

It is not unlimited: laws forbid incitement to violence or hatred, defamation (libel and slander), threats, harassment and disclosing national security secrets. Balancing free speech with protection from harm is debated, for example online hate speech and misinformation. With the right to speak comes responsibility to consider the effects on others.

How the interactive helps you understand Freedom of Speech

Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.

Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Freedom of Speech.

Real-life uses and examples

• Use Freedom of Speech to weigh up the pros and costs of a policy or decision.
• Explain Freedom of Speech to a classmate using a choice you make yourself, such as spending pocket money.
• Give a balanced answer about Freedom of Speech by considering more than one point of view.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Confusing a short-term effect with a long-term one.
• Giving an opinion without evidence or a clear economic or civic reason.
• Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.