Is freedom of expression a human right?
Yes, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and this is protected and specifically recognized in Oregon and in numerous international laws. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international human rights document written in 1948, guarantees the right of everyone to express their opinion and to have access to opinion and information from others. People should be able to express their opinions both publicly and privately without fear of censorship or punishment for doing so. Oregon state law, like federal law, recognizes freedom of expression as a First Amendment right. This means that both state and federal governments cannot restrict the speech of citizens in most circumstances. Oregon also has a strong public records act, which gives citizens the right to access public information and documents. This encourages citizens to be able to express their opinions freely and openly. At the same time, there are limits to freedom of expression. The law holds that no one has the right to incite violence or hatred. Also, no one has the right to defame another person or infringe upon their copyright or privacy. Overall, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and Oregon law recognizes this right and takes steps to ensure that citizens are not subject to censorship or punishment for expressing their opinions.
Related FAQs
What is the International Criminal Court?What is the right to equal access to public service?
What are the rights of persons with disabilities?
What are the legal sources of human rights law?
What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights?
What is the right to leisure and holidays with pay?
What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?
What are the rights to equality and non-discrimination?
What is the European Court of Human Rights?
What are the International Human Rights Standards?
Related Blog Posts
Protecting Human Rights: An Introduction to the International Law of Human Rights - July 31, 2023Exploring Human Rights: Your Guide to Understanding Human Rights Law - August 7, 2023
Who Is Protected By Human Rights Law? - August 14, 2023
The Human Rights Act: Understanding the UK’s Domestic Legal Framework - August 21, 2023
Human Rights in the European Union: An Overview - August 28, 2023