Clear and present danger

Definition

"Clear and present danger" refers to a standard used by the Supreme Court to determine if speech can be restricted under First Amendment rights. It means that speech can only be limited if it presents an immediate threat or harm to public safety.

Related terms

First Amendment: A part of the United States Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Prior Restraint: The government's ability to prevent certain types of expression before they occur (e.g., censoring publications).

Content Neutral Restrictions: Regulations on free speech that do not favor or discriminate against particular viewpoints.