The hottest Freedom of Expression Substack posts right now

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Josh Dehaas: The police can't just declare an overpass a Charter-free zone

The Line • 1513 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. Police tend to underreact to illegality at protests initially, then they overreact when the public gets frustrated.
  2. Enforcing laws against illegal actions of protesters from the start is important to prevent overreactions and protect constitutional rights.
  3. Blanket bans on protests by police can violate freedom of assembly and expression protected by the Charter.

Contrived cases make bad law, part 2

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. In legal cases like 303 Creative, contrived situations can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes.
  2. The Supreme Court's debate over government's power to compel individuals to act against their beliefs reveals a complex tension.
  3. The lack of genuine, high-stakes conflicts between same-sex couples and opponents of same-sex marriage post-Obergefell shows unexpected harmony.

My Suspension of Disbelief and the Treacherous Two-Tier University of Toronto

Heterodox STEM • 149 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. Many universities are heavily influenced by social justice ideologies, making it hard for diverse opinions to be discussed. This creates a two-tier system where some views are protected while others are punished.
  2. There is a growing sense among some academics that freedom of expression is under threat in educational institutions. People are afraid to share their thoughts for fear of backlash or punishment.
  3. Despite challenges and potential personal consequences, there are individuals who are committed to standing up for their beliefs. They hope that the current trends will eventually shift and allow for more open dialogue and truth.

Tweeting the poop emoji at a cabinet minister, quoting politicians inexactly, calling a Green fat & stupid – all of this is criminal speech in the freest and most democratic Germany of all time

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 225 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. In Germany, some people are being charged for their online comments, like using a poop emoji or making jokes about politicians. This has raised concerns about free speech.
  2. Green Party politicians have been active in filing complaints against critics on social media. This includes actions like having someone's house searched over an insult.
  3. Many of these prosecutions seem unfair and silly, making it harder for average citizens to express their opinions. Critics argue that this is more about controlling speech than protecting it.
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Smurf Scandal Update, and Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 203 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. The TikTok video causing the Smurf Scandal juxtaposed the Smurfs with German political colors, sparking controversy and police involvement.
  2. There's an ongoing investigation into the police for potentially violating the girl's freedom of expression, amidst claims of a a right-wing hate campaign against the school and police.
  3. The girl at the center of the Smurf Scandal, named Loretta, faced police lecture on 'incitement' and 'opposition to the constitution' for her online content, showcasing a concerning attitude towards free speech.

Chuyện Việt Nam: An ninh mạng con cờ

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Freedom of Expression
  1. Criticism of poor design was met with legal threats by event organizers, highlighting a disconnect between public perception and official response.
  2. The handling of internet security issues in Vietnam seems to focus more on censorship and punishment rather than protection and defense.
  3. Suggestions include engaging young designers and students to improve event branding, emphasizing potential benefits of fresh perspectives and creativity.