Do you think you should have the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theater?

Question

I have mixed feelings. Obviously I am big on freedom of speech, but maybe sometimes it's okay to restrict rights?

DWornock · Accepted Answer

Perhaps at the time that statement was made, it was valid. However, now nothing would happen. Theaters have numerous exits so there would be no panic. People would look around and if they didn't see a fire or a lot of smoke, they might wonder what is going on, but most people would remain in their seats and wait for someone in authority to tell them what to do.

It is no different than if you are in school and hear a fire alarm. If there is not a large visible fire, no one panics. A few people might leave but most would wait for an announcement because it could be fake by someone wanting to cause a disruption. It is not liked large modern building are constructed with wood with only one exit instead of concrete and steel with many exits.

Even with 911 after planes hit the twin towers, most people didn't immediately leave the building. It they did there would have been far fewer deaths because it was an hour and 42 minutes from the time the first plane hit and the building collapsed. That was plenty of time for most people to leave the buildings with an hour to spare.

crossdressingrihno · Accepted Answer

Freedom is good but freedom is only good when it doesn't restrict the basic rights of others.

Everyone should have the right to own property and sell goods but if you're also given the right to steal from people then those people stealing then are restricting the right of other people to own things which is just contradictory and bad

Yelling fire in a theater is restricting the right of other people to pursue happiness which if you remember correctly the three most important rights is life, liberty and pursuit of happiness or in other words the ability to do what must be done to keep yourself alive, the ability to make your own choices and decisions without legal consequence, and the ability to do things that you enjoy. However certain rights will contradict those three rights those three primary principles and in which case it's a matter of weighing which is worse.

Yelling fire in a theater is disruptive of other people's rights and is by far the worst of the two offenses the other offensive being restriction of one's right to say fire in a theater

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

Try walking up to a black police officer and calling him a n** then claiming it's OK because it's free speech. Or what about standing up middle of a movie in cinema to express your views on abortion?
There's a time and place to express views and there's no need to act like a dickhead doing it

Киттйлинк · Accepted Answer

only if there is in fact a fire, otherwise you belong in a mental institute. Freedom of speech yelling out ridiculous shit to cause harm is mental.

Lliam · Answer

First, nobody ever did.

But, yes, they have a right. However they can be held responsible for the consequences if anyone gets injured. They could be charged with numerous offenses and even be sued for damages in civil court.
But if nobody got hurt, there is no justification to arrest the person for merely shouting "Fire."

The argument is bogus because piece of shit Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes invented the logic in order to justify the Wilson administration's brutal repression of people who were justifiably protesting the draft and U. S. involvement in WWI. It was a total violation of the first amendment. "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Holmes' decision was later repudiated and reversed. Nevertheless, that phrase is so famous/infamous that people think it's a valid argument, and it has been used ever since by those who support censorship.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Seems the difference is expressing ideas and challenging the status quo vs intentionally inciting harm to others.

So it’s not about being able to say whatever you want wherever you want.

So some restriction yes.

Ex. Sneak up behind someone standing at edge of cliff and yell “juuuummmp”. Thats not freedom of speech. Ditto wrongly yelling fire when you know there is none. A person who legit believes there is a fire… and they could be wrong or mentally ill… that is free speech. It’s the intent that matters.

Goforit1010 · Answer

Absolutely - you have that right, especially if there IS a fire. However, if you do that (no fire at all) and it causes a panic, you ALSO have the RIGHT to face all the consequences of that action.

It's not that we need to restrict rights, but rather teach... that with rights, comes responsibility!

Those on the left seem to forget that part of teaching. Especially since not one of them knows how to accept responsibility for their actions. They'd rather call others names, or blame someone or something else for their behavior.

jshm2 · Answer

No and that you even question it, means you should not have any rights at all. You are not a civilised member of society.

If in doubt about "free speech" just remember - there is only "freedom of speech, within the law," and not "freedom of speech, without consequences".

Shamalien · Answer

Freedom of speech is about expressing ideas. A theatre is not a public square, it’s like a library, and if you aren’t quiet you can be removed because they need to make a profit. On the street or on the steps of parliament you can yell whatever you want

Anonymous · Answer

Should you have the right? Sure, why not. But you should also be held accountable for any and all damages incurred. So if a little kid gets trampled in the panic, that's on your head. If an elderly person with a bad heart suffers a heart attack, you pay their medical costs. Etc.

Freedom comes at the cost of accountability.

Fireguy17 · Answer

Only if there is a fire. By doing that you may cause someone to get injured. That is not a free speech issue. Now if there is a fire, then by all means, let others know.

boggboss · Answer

Same way u can't yell bomb or threaten people with intimatdation or blackmale freedom of speech don't cover u for what can actively harm people

northwestripper666 · Answer

You have to ask yourself? Should I be able to market a butt scratcher made from coat hanger and be able to get a patent on it? Your question is rather dumb. People aren't really that retarded, and if they are I haven't heard of it.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

Is it ethical to shout "Movie!" in a crowded firehouse? LOL...

exitseven · Answer

No, it is not proper. It should not be considered free speech. Hunter's laptop on the other hand should have been fair game.

Subarugirl · Answer

Freedom of speech doesn’t mean you get to just say anything you want to

loveslongnails · Answer

All rights are subject to restriction, even the right to die.

OddBeMe · Answer

Nor is it ok to threaten someone’s life. Red lines.

anylolone · Answer

People do have a right to yell fire in a crowded theater.

jimmy2 · Answer

No you do and you will be in prison a long time

Do you think you should have the right to yell "fire" in a crowded theater?

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