Question

Charles Schenck was charged with violating the Espionage Act. The Supreme Court ruled that Schenck's actions created a "clear and present danger." How did the decision in this case affect the rights of U.S citizens? *

Answer 1

Answer:

The decision of the Supreme Court affected the US citizens' right to freedom of speech.

Explanation:

Charles Schenck was the general secretary of the US Social Party. Socialists were against the world war that was occurring at the time since they believed that the US involvement only benefited the rich. The poor soldiers were the ones who were sent to fight. As a result, socialists also urged US workers to oppose the war. Schenck participated in many anti war activities and he mailed leaflets to soldiers trying to convince them of resisting the draft. As he violated the Espionage Act, because he caused insubordination in the military forces, he was convicted. However, after being tried, Schenck argued that his right to freedom of speech protected by the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution had been violated. The Espionage Act limited the freedom of speech in times of war. For the Court, Schenck's actions had put other people at risk. As a result, in wartime reasonable limits can be put the 1st Amendment's provision governing freedom of speech.