Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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FREE SPEECH
The liberty to express one's beliefs or opinions in speech or writing, in accordance with the moral law and the legitimate rights and dignity of human beings. Freedom of speech is a natural right, abut, like other natural rights, it is not unlimited. No one has the moral right to say things that are untrue or injurious to another person or harmful to society. Moreover, the state has the right to limit freedom of speech (and of the press) insofar as this is necessary for the common good.
