"Freedom of speech" protects individuals' rights to express their opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship. Enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it encompasses verbal speech, written communication, and symbolic actions. However, it does not shield against hate speech, incitement to violence, or defamation. The law distinguishes between protected speech and categories deemed harmful, aiming to balance individual liberties with public order and safety.