how did freedom of speech affect the people of France
Answers
In practice, France has many laws limiting freedom of expression. ... 227-23), and libel is not protected by freedom of speech Law of 1881, art.
The French Constitution protects freedom of expression, but not to the same extent as the First Amendment does under U.S. law. Specifically, the French Constitution incorporates the Declaration of Human and Civic Rights of 1789, which protects freedom of speech. Article 10 of the Declaration of Human and Civic Rights states that “No one may be disturbed on account of his opinions, even religious ones, as long as the manifestation of such opinions does not interfere with the established Law and Order.” Article 11 follows that up with “The free communication of ideas and of opinions is one of the most precious rights of man. Any citizen may therefore speak, write and publish freely, except what is tantamount to the abuse of this liberty in the cases determined by Law.”
In other words, the French Constitution recognizes freedom of speech, but also explicitly allows legislation that would limit it. France is also bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, article 10 of which also protects freedom of speech while acknowledging the State’s right to limit this freedom in certain circumstances. Finally, no discussion of freedom of speech in France would be complete without at least a mention of the Law of July 29, 1881, on Freedom of the Press (Loi du 29 juillet 1881 sur la liberté de la presse), which is considered one of France’s foundational laws in matters of freedom of speech. This Law of 1881 enshrines freedom of the press, while also setting limits to what can legally be published.