Freedom

          Freedom, is a privilege that every person living in a democratic country is proud to possess, and in many constitutions, the freedom of the individual is guaranteed. The word "freedom" is a general word, which means three different things, freedom of speech, freedom of the person and freedom of assembly.

          We deal firstly with freedom of speech, a most important right since, if a country is to be run on democratic lines, every individual should be allowed to say publicly what he thinks. In England, no such specific right is laid down in the constitution specifically, thought here are many ways in which the law can be broken. Defamation is not allowed, and can take the form of libel or slander. defamatory matter is matter which causes some other person to be brought into ridicule, hatred or contempt, and if it is written down, it is libel, whereas, if it is spoken, it is slander. Genuine criticism made in good faith is quite acceptable, however. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to determine what constitutes libel or slander, and as a famous writer on English law, Professor Dicey, once wrote "freedom of discussion consists in the right to write or say anything which a jury, consisting of twelve shopkeepers, think it expedient should be said or written." Freedom of speech also includes the freedom to worship as one pleases, a most important RIGHT. However, it is against the law to publish blasphemous material, which is defined as material which reviles God and religion. Clearly the right to speak freely does not include the right to publish obscenity, and the law is naturally strict on this subject. Finally, under freedom of speech, we must consider the position of the press, and in general, it can be said that press writers stand in the same position as letter writers, in that they are free to print what they like, provided that it is not libelous. However, if a newspaper libels someone, it is usually a defen2e to say that the libel was not intended or malicious, and that a full apology should be inserted at the earliest opportunity.

          The next aspect of freedom is freedom of assembly, and since one man is legally allowed to publish his views, it follows that a hundred or more can meet together to do the same thing. However, form the point of view of public safety, meetings should be subject to some form of official control, and the police in many countries are vested with a number of powers. If a policeman suspects that a public meeting is likely to cause a breach of the peace, he can break it up as the community's safety is at stake. In addition, if something illegal is going on at the meeting, it can be broken up. The law with regard to processions is similar: they are not against the law, but if a procession is obstructing the highway, it can be broken up, and the authorities can lay down the route for a procession, so as to avoid troublesome or congested areas.

          Man is primarily a member of society and of a community rather than an individual, and though his freedom is important, it must be limited to conform tot he well-being of other members of the same society. freedom, which is not subject to some form of control is of no value at all.