The aim of this paper is to critically assess two arguments concerning the case entitled, “Dennis v. United States Supreme Court”. The two arguments discussed in the paper mark the punishment against Dennis acceptable or unacceptable. The arguments have been made on the basis of Justices Douglas and Frankfurter views of the case.
Argument allowing Punishment
Different revolutions in various parts of the world have been observed. All such revolutions have been made a common view or voice of the masses with the help of speech and usage of different mediums of communication. It is expected that if speeches continue then there is a likelihood of momentum in public awareness. The case of Eugene Dennis, General Secretary of Communist Party USA has been prosecuted for undertaking freedom of speech for the matter of spreading hatred regarding the Government of United States. It is estimated that speeches like such would result in overthrowing the Government of United States. It is also expected that such actions would lead into blaming the fair elections through which the government was elected and come into power.
One of the critical arguments affirming to the punishment in result of the blame speech against the Government marks that Communism is a threat to American democracy. Therefore, if it would not have been stopped right away then there was an estimation of future war resulting in mass destruction. At the same time, such an act or punishment is fully backed up by the constitution of United States. It has been amended that government has the right to take an action against individuals who have spread perspectives among the masses against the governance that only comes into power after getting the majority of votes. Therefore, it is quiet acceptable and affirming that Dennis must have been prosecuted for using hate speech or freedom of speech to represent the government as unable to make positive actions in the country.
Argument defending Freedom of Speech
On the other hand, the opposite side of the above-noted argument is that the safeguard of Government of United States was made a critical issue. In simpler words, it was not significant for taking too much-enhanced view concerning the protection of the United States. As a matter of fact, it is the right of people to make use of freedom of speech. There is an open ground of rhetoric that could have been used by the Government to make sure that there are enough counter arguments. Prosecuting individuals just for the sake of words and speeches is not a strengthened indication of the Government.
In addition, there was no proof or indication that showed Eugene Dennis to be involved in a plot or plan which was violent in nature. Until or unless, there is an open indication of the threats against government, only then it is liable that the respective individual must be prosecuted. Furthermore, it is the rightful responsibility of government to set an example where citizens are free to discuss their opinions. Governments that tend to stop people from expressing their views and perspectives do not show democratic nature. Thus, it is quite acceptable that the government remains in no position to prosecute Dennis for using freedom of speech for discussing respective views and perspectives.
Works Cited
Curtis, Michael Kent. The Constitution and the Flag: The flag salute cases. New York: Taylor & Francis, 1993. Print.
Wiecek, William. The History of the Supreme Court of the United States. London: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print.
