clear and present danger

1. The standard set by the Supreme Court for judging when freedom of speech may lawfully be limited. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., illustrated the point by arguing that no one has a constitutional right to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater when no fire is present, for such action would pose a “clear and present danger” to public safety. (See First Amendment (see also First Amendment).)

Example Sentences

“Scientific evidence continues to strongly support broad COVID-19 vaccination,” the group posted on X. It also posted: “.@SecKennedy presents a clear and present danger to the American people and their families.”

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On Wednesday, nine First Nations from Ontario launched a constitutional challenge arguing both Ontario's legislation, and Carney's federal law, present a "clear and present danger" to their way of life and rights to self-determination.

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Unchecked technological advancement is no longer a distant threat to China but a clear and present danger, dispassionately gobbling up communities, jobs and Qiaoqiao’s and Bin’s dreams.

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“This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.”

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Barabak: I agree with all you say about a clear and present danger.

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