"But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic… The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent."
—Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in the majority opinion for Schenck v. United States

Question

"But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic… The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent."
—Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in the majority opinion for Schenck v. United States

anonymous · Answer

The quote above presents the "clear and present danger" test, which can be used to limit a person's right to free speech. Why are rights guaranteed in the Constitution limited instead of absolute?