The right to freedom of expression is justified first of all as the right of an individual purely in his capacity as an individual. It derives from the widely accepted premise of Western thought that the proper end of man… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
Once one accepts the premise of the Declaration of Independence - that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed" - it follows that the governed must, in order to exercise their right of consent, have full… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
The right to freedom of expression is justified first of all as the right of an individual purely in his capacity as an individual.… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
The Right of all members of society to form their own beliefs and communicate them freely to others must be regarded as an essential… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
It is frequently said that speech that is intentionally provocative and therefore invites physical retaliation can be punished or suppressed. Yet, plainly no such… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
The function of the censor is to censor. He has a professional interest in finding things to suppress. — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
Suppression of expression conceals the real problems confronting a society and diverts public attention from the critical issues. It is likely to result in… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
Once one accepts the premise of the Declaration of Independence - that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed" -… — Thomas I. Emerson Copy Share Image
