Is freedom of expression a human right?

Yes, freedom of expression is a human right guaranteed by international law. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of all humans, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document, written in 1948, declares that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.” Depending on the nation, the right to freedom of expression may be codified in their national Constitution. This is true in the United States, and specifically in the state of Florida. In Florida, the right to freedom of expression is found in the State Constitution, which states that “every natural person has the right to be free in the enjoyment of his or her personal liberty.” This freedom of personal liberty includes the right to speak freely without fear of censorship or prosecution. The United States Supreme Court has also made several decisions that recognize the importance of freedom of expression. Given its importance to a well-functioning democracy, freedom of expression is a right that must be defended and preserved. Although limits to freedom of expression exist, such as through laws that prohibit libel, slander, and certain forms of hate speech, this right is nevertheless central to our concept of human rights and should be respected and defended.

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