Question

Jerome wears a t-shirt that bears a picture of the current U.S. president. Under this picture, there are words which imply that the President is doing a bad job of running the country. In accordance with the Freedom of Speech Clause, which of the following is an accurate statement?
A) Criticizing the current president is fully protected speech and Jerome cannot be prosecuted.
B) Jerome could be arrested as his t-shirt violates the Freedom of Speech doctrine.
C) Jerome wearing the t-shirt is an example of limited protected speech.
D) Wearing the t-shirt makes Jerome liable for prosecution on the basis of defamation.

Answer 1

Answer: Criticizing the current president is fully protected speech and Jerome cannot be prosecuted.

Explanation:

The right to the freedom of speech is a clause in the First Amendment which prevents the restriction of the press or free speech. By wearing a t-shirt with a message that says the president is doing a bad job, Jerome is expressing his opinion and this is within his right to speak freely.

The benefits of free speech include allowing citizens to vent their frustrations instead of resorting to violence and citizen inclusion in decision making processes such as elections .