Meiklejohn's position is that free speech in a democracy…
“Meiklejohn's position is that free speech in a democracy is not an absolute flowing from the boundless source of some presumed 'natural right.' It is a practical necessity of 'self-government by universal suffrage,' for if the citizens are not permitted to argue out the issues of government, how can they be what they must be in a democracy - the rulers as well as the ruled?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Free speech is essential for self‑government, not a natural right, because democratic debate shapes legitimate authority.
In simple terms: Free speech enables democratic debate.
Key Takeaway
Protect open discourse for healthy democracy.
Themes
democracy
speech
government
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative hearings
- public forums
- media reporting
- academic debate
Key Concepts
political theory
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure speech serves democracy?
- How to balance speech with harm prevention?
A Different Perspective
May be abused to spread harmful ideas.