The weaponization of law against speech disliked by powerful people has prompted landmark free speech decisions. “The constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action,” the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969).
