- the right freedom of speech is recognized as a human right under Free Speech and UK Law article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which has been incorporated into UK by - in Britain these rights can be found as early as 1215 in the

Freedom of speech includes the right:

- not to speak Issues: - to use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages 1. How is „free speech “defined under UK law? 2. What are the exceptions to the right of free speech? - to engage in symbolic speech 3. What are the consequences of uttering unprotected speech? 2.

What are the exceptions to the right of free speech? 1. The law tries to strike the right balance between freedom of speech and the exceptions to the right of free speech. How is “free speech” defined under Uk law? The Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Right itself recognizes "Free speech is the right to seak receive and impart information and the need for some limits on free speech. ideas of all kinds, by any means" Some examples: - one of the most precious rights an individual has as a citizen of the UK -publishing material or making comments that are specifically designed to - this right gives people the opportunity to speak their mind and give incite racial hatred their opinions of what they think should happen. -restrictions on the ground of national security and public safety - This right means having the freedom to believe what you choose and to openly state your beliefs without being thrown in jail. -protection of health and moral - -the freedom of speech is defined as the free flow of information, -restrictions to prevent crime and disorder ideas and opinions in our society. -disclosure of information that has been received in confidence 3. → Imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months or/and a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (which is limited to 5000£). What are the consequences of uttering unprotected speech?

Public Order Act 1986 : Harassment, alarm or distress Act 1848: -using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly -compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend behaviour or displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting, within the hearing or sight of a person a) to deprive the Queen of her crown likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby. b) to levy war against the Queen, or (Section 18 adds: intending to stir up racial hatred) c) to „move or stir“ any foreigner to invade the United Kingdom or any → Constable may arrest a person without warrant if other country belonging to the the queen a) he engages in offensive conduct which a constable warns him to stop, → Indictable only offence (you have to indict someone), punishable with and imprisonment up to lifetime. b) he engages in further offensive conduct immediately or shortly after the warning. Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006: → Fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (which is limited to 1000£) -Using threatening words or behaviour intended to stir up religious hatred.

→ Imprisonment up to 7 years or/and a fine.

Malicious Communications Act 1988: Offence of sending letters etc. with intent to cause distress or anxiety. Terrorism Act 2006:

-Any person who sends to another person anything that conveys: -encourage or glorify terrorist acts a) a message which is indecent or grossly offensive → Imprisonment up to 7 years or/and a fine. b) a threat c) information which is false and known or believed to be false by the Serious organised Crime and Police Act 2005: sender - Police can ban unauthorised protest near parliament. - Police has to authorise protests, but may impose conditions.

Criminal Justica and Immigration Act 2008: - displaying „grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character images with the purpose of sexual arousal“

→ up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine

Compensation:

- Awarded for „personal injury“, has not to be physical

- It's needed to claim within two years of the crime being commited

- You must have reported the crime to the police as soon as possible.