According to Mill's harm principle, free speech is permissible unless it causes what?

According to Mill's harm principle, free speech is permissible unless it causes what?

• A. Harm to the speaker
• B. Harm to others
• C. Public offense
• D. Minor inconvenience

Answer: (B)

Harm to others is the condition under which free speech can be restricted. The harm principle centers on allowing individuals to express themselves freely unless their words cause real, identifiable harm to other people—such as threats, coercion, physical injury, or clear violations of others’ rights. Speech that merely offends, annoys, or harms only the speaker’s own feelings is not enough to justify limits. By prioritizing harm to others, Mill argues for broad liberty of expression so that ideas can be tested and truth can emerge, even when some expressions are controversial or unpopular.

Harm to others is the condition under which free speech can be restricted. The harm principle centers on allowing individuals to express themselves freely unless their words cause real, identifiable harm to other people—such as threats, coercion, physical injury, or clear violations of others’ rights. Speech that merely offends, annoys, or harms only the speaker’s own feelings is not enough to justify limits. By prioritizing harm to others, Mill argues for broad liberty of expression so that ideas can be tested and truth can emerge, even when some expressions are controversial or unpopular.