Justice Louis D. BrandeisJustice Louis D. Brandeis, (1856-1941) US Supreme Court Justice

Justice Louis D. Brandeis Quote

“No danger flowing from speech can be deemed clear and present unless the incidence of the evil apprehended is so imminent that it may befall before there is an opportunity for full discussion. Only an emergency can justify repression.”

Justice Louis D. BrandeisJustice Louis D. Brandeis
~ Justice Louis D. Brandeis

Whitney v. California, 1927

Ratings and Comments


J Carlton, Calgary

"Only an emergency can justify repression." - Which is why we've been in a state of war...forever.

jim k, Austin, Tx

J Carlton got it right.

E Archer, NYC

As is so common with the Supreme Court, in one sentence they defend our rights and in the next they protect an exception. So, we have the right to speak and tell the truth except during an emergency? Who decides the emergency? Reminds me of the property owners in New Orleans who were handcuffed while the National Guard searched for and removed licensed weapons from their houses because a state of emergency was declared. Heck, America has been under a constant state of emergency since the 1930's. The government's 'right to repress' during emergency needs to be specifically repealed. Our rights are never more important than during dangerous times and emergencies.

Mike, Norwalk

Ah yes, high priest dogma from the occupying statist theocracy infesting this land. I'm sure the, for public consumption reference, was to the proverbial yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater BUT ! ! ! as Carlton and Archer referenced above the malignant malefactors live by the mantra: "never let a serious crisis go to waste".

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