Pure speech in United States law is the communication of ideas through spoken or written words or through conduct limited in form to that necessary to convey the idea. It is distinguished from
symbolic speech Symbolic speech is a legal term in United States law used to describe actions that purposefully and discernibly convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it. Symbolic speech is recognized as being protected under the First Amendmen ...
, which involves conveying an idea or message through behavior. Pure speech is accorded the highest degree of protection under the
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
American legal terminology
Freedom of expression
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