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The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting

fire in a theater and causing a panic."
Source: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1902-1932)
According to the excerpt, this statement illustrates which of the following interpretations of the
Bill of Rights?
Select one:
a. The Supreme Court can eliminate freedoms listed in the Bill of Rights
O b. The Bill of Rights does not safeguard individual liberties
O c. Constitutional protections of liberty are not absolute
Od. The needs of the government are more important than civil liberties

User GrovesNL
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement by Oliver Wendell Holmes illustrates the interpretation that constitutional protections of liberty are not absolute.


Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by Oliver Wendell Holmes is an example of the interpretation that constitutional protections of liberty are not absolute. While the Bill of Rights guarantees certain freedoms, such as free speech, it also recognizes that there may be limitations on those freedoms in certain situations. In this case, falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic is an example of speech that is not protected because it presents a clear danger to public safety.


Learn more about Interpretation of the Bill of Rights

User Lovechillcool
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