Which type of speech typically receives less protection under the law?

Commercial speech receives less protection under the law primarily because it is inherently tied to the exchange of information related to commercial transactions. The U.S. Supreme Court has historically distinguished between commercial speech and other forms of speech, recognizing that while all speech is protected to some degree under the First Amendment, commercial speech is subject to greater regulation.

The rationale behind this lesser protection is rooted in the need to maintain a fair marketplace and protect consumers from misleading or false advertising. Since commercial speech often aims to propose a commercial transaction, it can be more readily regulated to ensure that it does not deceive or harm consumers. This regulation helps uphold the integrity of economic transactions while balancing the need for free expression.

In contrast, political speech, which is fundamentally linked to democratic engagement and the discussion of public issues, is afforded robust protections to encourage discourse and participation in governance. Verbal expressions of feelings and cultural speech, characterized by their artistic and personal nature, also benefit from strong protections as they relate to individual liberties and the exchange of ideas.