The American government regulates free speech in three ways: through regulations, prohibitions, and punishments.

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Some laws limiting freedom of expression do not violate the First Amendment. These laws are created to protect other important values and interests

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Governments at all levels in the United States make laws that limit freedom of expression to protect other important values and interests.

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Despite the statement in the First Amendment that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech," most people argue in favor of limiting freedom of expression in certain situations.

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There has been pressure at many times throughout history to suppress unpopular ideas. Restrictions generally have been imposed during times of war or when the government has felt threatened.

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The John Peter Zenger case provided an early example of jury nullification, which means that a jury reaches a verdict of not guilty, despite overwhelming proof that the defendant committed a particular act, because the jury believes that the law making the act a crime is immoral or wrong.

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Many Americans believe that the John Peter Zenger case not only established an important right of freedom of the press but also proved the importance of the jury as a check on arbitrary government.

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By 1800, freedom of speech and press were beginning to be considered an essential part of free government. As Thomas Jefferson put it, "Our liberty depends on freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."

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The English common law of seditious libel made it a crime to publish anything that might injure the reputation of the government.

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Modern Americans' expectations about free expression differ markedly from those of Americans and the English during the colonial period. The law of seditious libel in England dates to 1606 and the case of "De Libellis Famosis."

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