Which of the following is a limitation on First Amendment rights?

The distinction of "clear and present danger" as a limitation on First Amendment rights stems from the need to balance individual freedoms against public safety and order. This principle was articulated in the landmark Supreme Court case Schenck v. United States (1919), where Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. introduced the idea that speech could be restricted if it poses a significant threat of substantial harm or danger to others.

In this context, while the First Amendment safeguards rights such as free speech, free press, free exercise of religion, and the right to assemble peacefully, these rights are not absolute. Situations may arise where speech or expression creates a clear and immediate threat, such as inciting violence or causing panic. In such cases, the government has the authority to impose restrictions to protect overall societal interests.

Thus, "clear and present danger" functions as a critical standard in determining when it is lawful to limit First Amendment rights, ensuring that freedoms are exercised responsibly without endangering others. This concept is foundational in First Amendment jurisprudence, illustrating the ongoing conversation about freedom versus safety in a democratic society.