Law Commons^™

Limits Of First Amendment Rights, Troy Salisbury

Brigham Young University Prelaw Review

Under the First Amendment of the Constitution such rights as the freedom of speech and assembly and other basic rights are set forth. People often feel that unpopular groups such as flag-burners or skinheads should have their First Amendment rights limited. Often individuals find it hard to tolerate the radical opinions of these groups. Nevertheless, their rights can only be restricted if, in the course of their actions, they directly infringe upon the rights of others. This point can be better illustrated by discussing a hypothetical situation in which a group's rights would have to be limited.