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Primary purpose of free speech is to allow public criticism of the government. Hence, democracy is not possible without free speech.

Scenarios for limits of free speech

Limits of free speech comes from the key principle of protecting other person’s rights i.e. You cannot harm others to get (“say”) what you want.

Some common exception to free speech in the US are threats, inciting imminent violence/ lawless actions, discriminatory harassment, defamation (ie. accusation of fact and not opinion), Commercial speech / fraud (i.e make wrong product promises to make money).

Who does free speech apply to

Free speech usually applies to people’s speech vis-à-vis their government. The Govt should not take action to limit free speech and should protect people’s right to free speech.

Free speech doesn’t apply to private companies, but private companies cannot infringe of people’s other rights i.e. If a private company does infringe, you can still sue to protect your right eg. for defamation. 

Non-government universities are independent bodies with their own rights and rules. Many universities have the concept of Academic freedom for their academics. In areas of non-expertise, the academic has free speech. In their areas of expertise, the academic should stick to research/ expert opinions and not personal opinions. 

In many universities ”shout down” (i.e. not allowing speakers to speak) is considered infringement of free speech as it infringes on other people’s right to hear what the speaker has to say. A person is allowed to protest but without infringing on other’s rights.