U.S. courts may find legislation unconstitutional where the government discourages communication so that speakers voluntarily restrict their speech for fear of subsequent punishment despite the fact their message is lawful. The Supreme Court referred to this threat to free speech as __ .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term used by the Supreme Court to describe the threat to free speech caused by government discouraging communication so that speakers voluntarily restrict their speech for fear of subsequent punishment despite the fact their message is lawful is known as the "chilling effect." Option A, overbreadth, refers to legislation that prohibits both protected and unprotected speech. Option B, prior restraint, refers to the government's ability to censor speech before it is expressed. Option C, vagueness, refers to unclear or ambiguous laws that are difficult to interpret and enforce. Option D, censorship, refers to the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable or a threat to security.

US Courts May Find Legislation Unconstitutional Where the Government Discourages