how did the supreme courts decision in shenck v. united states affect free speech?

Answer 1

For the first time in history, the US Supreme Court held that Congress had a right to create exceptions to the US Constitution's First Amendment Free Speech Clause when exercising that right could create a "clear and present danger" to US military recruitment efforts during war and jeopardize national security.

When the Court upheld the Espionage Act of 1917 as constitutional (Schenck was not tried under the more severe Sedition Act of 1918), it endorsed restrictions against public speech and expression that interfered with the US government's goal of enlarging the military during WW I.

Justice Holmes, writing the opinion of the Court, explained the reason behind the decision as a matter of context. This allowed a narrow ruling that created an exception to the Free Speech Clause only under special circumstances, summarized as representing a "clear and present danger," in this case to the recruitment of military personnel.

"Words which, ordinarily and in many places, would be within the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment may become subject to prohibition when of such a nature and used in such circumstances a to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils which Congress has a right to prevent. The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done.

"A conspiracy to circulate among men called and accepted for military service under the Selective Service Act of May 18, 1917, a circular tending to influence them to obstruct the draft, with the intent to effect that result, and followed by the sending of such circulars, is within the power of Congress to punish, and is punishable under the Espionage Act, § 4, although unsuccessful.

"The word "recruiting," as used in the Espionage Act, § 3, means the gaining of fresh supplies of men for the military forces, as well by draft a otherwise."

Case Citation:

Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919)

For more information, see Related Questions, below.

Answer 2

it limited it by saying that opposition to the draft was a danger to the country during wartime.

Answer 3

it limited it by saying that opposition to the draft was a danger to the country during wartime

Answer 4

Freedom of speech