Pure Speech

Written and spoken words that fall within the scope of protection provided by the FIRST AMENDMENT to the Constitution.

Pure speech and other types of communication, such as picketing and SYMBOLIC SPEECH or speech plus, that involve conveying an idea or message through behavior, are safeguarded by the Constitution against ARBITRARY and unreasonable interference by the government. This right of freedom of expression is not, however, absolute. Pure speech and other communications are not protected if they present a CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER to society or if they constitute LIBEL, OBSCENITY, or slander.