Answer: Free speech was limited in 1919 after a decision was reached about the Supreme Court case, Schenck v. United States. The court determined that free speech would not be permitted when it presented a "clear and present danger" to society.
The case in question was about to two individuals by the names of Charles Schneck and Elizabeth Baer. Shneck and Baer were socialists and they were distributing leaflets urging the public to disobey the United States draft. The Supreme Court ruled against Shneck and Baer's right to freedom of speech in this case because they believed that the government required deference during wartime.
Why is the freedom of speech an important right? ... — The Supreme Court has determined that certain types of speech, such as fighting words, violent threats and misleading advertising, are of only “low” First Amendment value because they don't contribute to a public discussion of ideas, and are therefore not protected.
