Free Speech
 

Should free speech on corporate property be more limited than speech on public property? If it should, what kinds of limitations should there be? Should outdoor areas open to the public -which are nevertheless still corporate- be treated differently from, for example, small indoor confined spaces such as offices? How so?

Watch the below video for a few minutes from 1:20 to get an entertaining idea of what I am talking about ->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNscBk0n9lc

Who was right in the video? Is there a middle ground to be found? Is this kind of free speech covered in the Constitution? Should it be a human right? Was the police officer wrong to try and stop the megaphone guy from speaking in this particular situation?

The bald headed guy was right, he's a fucking loud mouth.

Chas

Freedom of speech is about the right to express your ideas, not one's ability to be a loudmouth prick. This guy is a loudmouth prick and was disturbing the peace. Somebody should have shoved that thing down his throat.

The internet provided novel ways for the least common denominators among us to have their 5 minutes of fame.

There's some cops you wouldn't want to pull that shit on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWNE54RJIL4

Chas

Are all British cops that nice? You should see what happens when people smart off to the police here in "the Land of the Brave." Before you do---I hope your health insurance is paid up. You'll be needing it.

A friend once told me;
"If you want to learn the definition of asshole, just pin a badge on a redneck."

Dave

So, the video aside, does everyone agree that on all corporate property (including such corporate property as the stone steps that megaphone guy was standing on) people shouldnt be entitled to the same free speech rights as they have on public property?

How so?

Your freedom of speech is whatever I decide it should be on my property, I imagine corporations have the same right.

By being a friggin' loudmouth a$$hole.

Let's say you're finally able to buy a small piece of property and build your idyllic cabin in the woods. Does someone, in the name of free speech, have the right to set up in your front yard and yell shit through a megaphone (particularly after you've told them to stop)?

Or in the name of free speech, should you be allowed to go into your local pub and repeat anything you hear through a megaphone while other patrons are trying to relax (after the pub owner has told you to cease and desist)? How about in a movie theater? In a church?

Noise pollution.

I you need a megaphone to make your case, then you can't make a case in the first place.

Chas

Insulting crude behavior is only allowed at funerals.

Pete

Exactly!

I'm sure shouting through a megaphone at 90 db in a public place where people are not there to listen to that particular speaker by choice was not contemplated when the First Amendment was drafted.

He could certainly wear a sign or express himself in his speaking voice. It's freedom to speak, not freedom to yell.

I don't believe the First Amendment applies in England, correct me if I am wrong.:rolleyes:

But because he doesn't have corporate sponsorship he has to use a megaphone to be one, instead of the airwaves.

Regards,

D-Ray

The First Amendment permits reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. However, simply because the speech is taking place on privately owned property is not sufficient grounds to restrict it.

The place where the megaphone man was proclaiming his message was a traditional public forum. It is an open area in which the public is welcomed. In this instance, it does not appear that the man was causing a breach of the peace. No one was impeded in their movement through the square; the megaphone was not as loud as the sirens that were heard going off, and likely not as loud as the trains when they are traveling, so one could hardly say that he was interfering with people's quiet enjoyment of the public area.

The examples Finn used, a private cabin or a local pub are not comparable to the public forum where the speech here was taking place. A private cabin is certainly not a public forum, and while a pub might get loud, and it is quite likely that there will be a vigorous exchange of ideas, it would be reasonable in that location to prevent the use of a megaphone. Others might have found the megaphone man's attitude and delivery distasteful, bit it was taking place outdoors in a public forum. Remember that the First Amendment is not needed to protect popular speech.

Regards,

D-Ray

EDIT: I'm not sure how the un-smiley got up there, but I didn't mean for it to be there.

I still would have shoved it down his throat. :D

I think this took place in London. That chap should have found his way to Speakers Corner in Hyde Park.

http://www.offtolondon.com/hyde_speak.html

It's not exactly free speech if it has to be neatly contained.

Regards,

D-Ray

England is a country that developed queuing etiquette. If they can do that, containing free speech should be a snap.;)