The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #164834 Message #3950930
Posted By: KarenH
16-Sep-18 - 11:53 AM
Thread Name: BS: Let's reclaim the centre ground!
Subject: RE: BS: Let's reclaim the centre ground!
I personally have no problem with the idea that the 'right' to free speech is not set out as an absolute right in international frameworks. I cannot see why Ians feels a need to state this fact repeatedly, because I am sure that all the other people on this thread are aware of it.
Just in case they are not aware of it, here is an extract from the ECHR.
The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
In my view, the laws on contempt of court, including those in place with the aim of ensuring that defendants get a fair trial, are a good example of a case when some limitation on the 'right to say what you want when you want' is reasonable.