FOLIO Ontology

A freedom of speech claim is a legal action initiated by an individual or entity alleging that their right to freedom of speech, as protected by the law (e.g., First Amendment of the United States Constitution), has been violated by the government or a government actor. The freedom of speech guarantees that the government shall not abridge the freedom of speech, which includes the right to express opinions, ideas, and beliefs without censorship or restraint. A freedom of speech claim may arise in various contexts, such as when a government body enacts a law or regulation that unduly restricts speech, when a public employee is disciplined for exercising their speech rights, or when a public forum is improperly restricted.