We Admit That in

We admit that in . . . ordinary times the defendants . . . would have been within their constitutional rights. But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. . . . The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the evils that Congress has a right to prevent. - Justice Holmes, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
The decision reflects the tension between:

A) providing economic equality and protecting political equality
B) defending civil liberties and protecting national security
C) defending the right of free speech and protecting people from slander
D) protecting the power of the Congress and enhancing the Supreme Court's power of judicial review