Eight Values of Free Expression

I'm going in-depth of one of the values of free expression.

In class, we discussed eight different values of free expression. Although I can discuss multiple values, I rather focus on one. That one would be discovery of truth or also known as marketplace of ideas.

In 1919, there were a Quartet of cases. Within these cases, Abrams v US was argued. This case dealt with the Espionage Act of 1917 since the defendants released pamphlets condemning sending Americans troops to Russia during their Revolution and calling for the end of the fighting between the two countries. In deciding this case, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes coined the popular phrase "marketplace of ideas". This phrase states that all ideas should be out in the open whether it is good or bad and the best one will eventually win in the end. Since this case, the Supreme Court has continue to use this phrase dealing with the First Amendment, mostly in the event to strike down censorship and encourage freedom of expression.

I think that this value of free expression is important because allows people to be open on their opinion and hear others. But today some people believe that their beliefs about something is the right one; therefore, does not care about what others believe that same topic. Without this share of beliefs, one is unable to understand everything about a certain subject.

For more information about this case, please follow these links:

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/250us616