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Politics & Government vocabulary · Constitution, Courts and Rights

Freedom of expression

Meaning in politics & government, with examples

nounCore term

In politics & government, freedom of expression means: The right to hold opinions and to share ideas and information through speech, writing, art or the media without unjustified interference by the state.

In Turkish: ifade özgürlüğü, düşünceyi açıklama özgürlüğü

How it is used

Used in law and political debate, often together with freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. Courts consider whether a restriction on freedom of expression is necessary and proportionate. In everyday English, freedom of speech and free speech are close equivalents.

Example sentences

  1. The constitution protects freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

  2. The seminar discussed how freedom of expression applies to social media.

Common collocations

  • right to freedom of expression
  • protect freedom of expression
  • restrictions on freedom of expression
  • freedom of the press
  • human rightsThe basic rights and freedoms that every person has simply because they are human, such as the right to life, liberty, a fair trial and freedom of thought.
  • constitutionThe basic set of laws and principles that sets out how a state is organized, what powers its institutions have and what rights its citizens enjoy.
  • civil societyThe organizations and groups outside government and business through which citizens act together, such as charities, associations, unions and community groups.
  • rule of lawThe principle that everyone, including the government and its officials, must obey the law, and that laws are applied fairly by independent courts.

More terms: Constitution, Courts and Rights

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