Hugo Black Quotes

The right to free speech is critical to our democracy.

The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.

Freedom of speech is central to most every other right that we hold dear in the United States and serves to strengthen the democracy of our great country. It is unfortunate, then, when actions occur that might be interpreted as contrary to this honored tenet.

Whatever doubt there may be as to the quality or purpose of our free speech we certainly have ample volumes in production.

The liberty of speaking and writing guards our other liberties.

The First Amendment provides the only kind of security system that can preserve a free government - one that leaves the way wide open for people to favor, discuss, advocate, or incite causes and doctrines however obnoxious and antagonistic such views may be to the rest of us.

I would bet there is no place in the United States where the First Amendment would survive intact.

We have a First Amendment for good reasons. We need a free press because without an educated electorate we cannot have a functioning democracy.

I try to do that in this book without preaching - to try to do as you just said that you really have to defend the First Amendment rights of everybody.

I think that, as Americans, we should never forget that when we tamper with freedom of speech, it is a very sensitive issue that affects all of our constitutional rights and privileges.

We cannot accept that democratic freedoms need to be abrogated to protect Islam.

Prior restraints on speech and publication are the most serious and least tolerable infringement on First Amendment Rights.

I can't emphasize how important free speech is to a liberal and free democracy.

The foundation of our democracy is the ability to have a debate about any subject. That is why I am so committed to defending free speech.

American democracy is greater with free speech and open dialogue.

I'm a believer in the Constitution and in the First Amendment. Not just for raising money but also for freedom of speech.

There is nothing more wonderful than freedom of speech.

I understand that unless you have a government of laws, rather than a government of people, you cannot protect dissent. And I understand, as a woman who probably would have been burned in the marketplace for witchcraft only about 200 years ago, that I need the First Amendment more than anybody does. And that even if I am repelled by child pornography or Bob Guccione's productions, that I have to protect those things, because essentially it's in my self-interest to do so.

I am for the First Amendment from the first word to the last. I believe it means what it says.

The freedom of speech and the freedom of press, it's just precious man, it really is.

The nation relies upon public discussion as one of the indispensable means to attain correct solutions to problems of social welfare. Curtailment of free speech limits this open discussion. Our whole history teaches that adjustment of social relations through reason is possible when free speech is maintained.

The United States of America stands for: the ability for people to worship freely, the ability for people to vote and to express their opinion freely is something we hold dear.

I want to regain my First Amendment rights.

I do think that our freedoms are at risk.

I'm not interested in censorship. I like the First Amendment very much.