Amendments Quote by Hugo Black
“The word 'security' is a broad, vague generality whose contours should not be invoked to abrogate the fundamental law embodied in the First Amendment. The guarding of military and diplomatic secrets at the expense of informed representative government provides no real security ... .”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Confirmation, 1951
Security should not be used to override constitutional freedoms, especially free speech.
In simple terms: Security can't trump free speech.
Key Takeaway
Guard freedoms over vague security claims.
Themes
freedom
law
government
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- legislation
- public debate
Key Concepts
constitutional law
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance security with free speech?
- What limits should exist on secrecy?
A Different Perspective
Security concerns are legitimate and need balancing.
