What two types of speech are not protected by the Bill of Rights?

Study for The Bill of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Test with our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations and hints to enhance understanding. Prepare confidently and succeed!

Libel and slander are two forms of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment due to their potential to cause harm to others. Libel refers to written defamatory statements, while slander pertains to spoken defamatory statements. Both are considered types of defamation, which involves making false statements that damage a person's reputation.

The rationale behind the lack of protection for libel and slander is primarily centered around the need to balance free speech with the protection of individuals' reputations. The law recognizes that while free expression is vital in a democratic society, the dissemination of false information that can lead to personal harm is not a rightful exercise of speech.

Other types of speech mentioned in the options, such as obscene speech and certain commercial speech, may also face restrictions but are addressed under different legal standards. Hate speech and political dissent, while contentious, generally enjoy protection under the First Amendment, as they pertain to expressions of opinion or belief.

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