Penalties for opinion, or at least for its expression, still exist by law; and their enforcement is not, even in these times, so unexampled as to make it at all incredible that they may some day be revived in full force. (p. 38)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Legal penalties for holding or expressing opinions still exist and could be enforced again in the future.
- In plain terms
- Laws punishing speech can still happen and might return strongly.
- What can you take from it?
- Vigilance is needed to protect freedom of expression.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do laws restrict opinion today?
- What happens when enforcement returns?
Another view
The quote assumes a specific legal context that may not apply universally.
More from John Stuart Mill
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