There is no theoretical limit to the freedom of speech per se. But it also true that speech is an action in public, and as such, one has to stand ready to take responsibility for the consequences of that action. The crime of yelling "Fire!" in a theater is not in the exercise of free speech. It would not be a crime, for example, to yell "Troglodyte!" or "Mum's pajamas!" in the same circumstances. It is the consequence of intentional false panic-mongering that will be taken as a legal offense if it has consequences of harm to others. That is why hate-mongering is sometimes a gray issue. If someone preaches hate to me, and I decide to accept their point of view and act on it, then my view is that is my own responsibility -- there is no rule that says you must take on board any communication directed to you. Acting out messages from others that you do not knowingly accept is just as irresponsible, IMHO, as sending them. Freedom of speech also includes freedom not to listen to speech, I suppose. More importantly, the freedom to critically compare realities offered with those you yourself know to be true.

A