WHY FREEDOM?

A sense of freedom is one of the best feelings one can obtain. It gives self belief, strength and inspiration to look for and achieve anything we want. Sparking ideas that we might not of thought of when constrained by the boundaries of modern life. When we think about the many success stories, whether it’s the coffee shop down the road with JK Rowling writing her (soon to be blockbuster) books or the actor that has just landed his dream role, the story always starts the same. They give up everything else to follow their dream, unleashing themselves so that they can live free to do what they love, every single day.

WHAT LAW IS ON THE WALL?

The word is taken from the Public Order Act 1986. This section covers what the government does to protect freedom of speech. This particular sections states the rules on public order should not be used to restrict discussion, criticism or expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, or discrimination against different beliefs.

Public Order Act 1986. 29J. Protection of freedom of expression Nothing in this Part shall be read or given effect in a way which prohibits or restricts discussion, criticism or expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, insult or abuse of particular religions or the beliefs or practices of their adherents, or of any other belief system or the beliefs or practices of its adherents, or proselytising or urging adherents of a different religion or belief system to cease practising their religion or belief system.

THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project is a non-profit organisation that focuses on the exoneration of people who have been wrongfully convicted due to faulty DNA evidence. Before the modern landscape and accuracy of DNA testing, the reliability of this evidence was much more ambiguous. Whilst a large percentage of old cases did have an accurate and fair result, many people have been wrongfully convicted and denied their freedom due to DNA analysis not being totally accurate, or in some cases not present. The NPO was founded by two lawyers who worked as defence on the O.J. Simpson murder case.

MAKING A MURDERER

One high profile case for The Innocence Project that had an element of success was Steven Avery’s first conviction. After spending 18 years in prison Avery was freed due to the lack of DNA evidence and on the proof that a different man who resembled him actually committed the crime. Two years after his release Steven Avery was arrested for the murder of Theresa Halbach. Avery’s experience with the authorities has been documented in the incredibly popular Netflix series ‘Making A Murderer’. The true crime documentary has sparked up a huge debate as to whether Steve Avery and his nephew Brendan Darcy have been wrongfully convicted of this crime. Defence lawyers and petitions have been fighting for Avery’s freedom for years.

PASSION FOR FREEDOM

Passion For Freedom is a charity that hosts an annual arts competition to promote human rights and freedom of expression. Each exhibition showcases artwork, films, written articles and public speakers that represent freedom.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Freedom of speech is one of the most integral parts of a democratic society. It is not only a human right but also a civil liberty that allows anyone to be heard. Thanks to freedom of speech we are blessed with a world that has the potential to change, evolve and grow. Freedom of speech gives us the opportunity to make a difference, whether it is going to a rally, sticking up for someone to stop them being bullied, or exposing a truth that you believe will help another.

NOT-SO FREEDOM OF SPEECH

The idea of freedom of speech is fantastic however it does come with some restrictions. Article 10 of the Equality and Human Rights Commission explains that public authorities can restrict freedom of speech if:

• They are worried about national security or public safety

• They want to prevent disorder or crime

• They feel it will protect health or morals

• They want to protect the rights and reputations of others

• They are protecting confidential information

• They need to maintain the authority and impartiality of judges.

HATE SPEECH VS FREE SPEECH

There are some small minorities who use the idea of freedom of speech to partake in despicable hate speech. The idea that people are allowed to voice their opinions is there for the development of society. Whilst everyone is allowed to voice their opinion, the laws state that it is criminal offence to abuse freedom of speech. The restrictions clearly state that it is not permitted to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, another person harassment, alarm or distress. Over the years since the Public Order Act 1986, these restrictions have been revised and added to. Currently it is an offence to display racial and religious hatred, hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation as well as language that encourages terrorism. People that go out of their way to hate and discriminate on others, effectively are ripping away a sense of freedom for the victims. The freedom to be a part of society is not determined by the close-minded people that abuse one of our greatest civil liberties.

ARTISTIC FREEDOM

Artistic freedom is defined as "the freedom to imagine, create and distribute diverse cultural expressions free of governmental censorship, political interference or the pressures of non-state actors." Effectively it is what allows artists to create anything they like without the disruption of censorship. Obviously there are a few laws restricting artists like copyright or the public order offences listed above. The freedom of the arts is what has made the practise adored by millions over the generations. Artistic freedom is what makes the ever evolving art world fresh and innovative. By viewing a piece of artwork you derive your own interpretations and it evokes different emotions in different individuals. The freedom of art is multifaceted, from when the artist comes up with the idea, to the mind of the person looking at the final product.

FREEDOMFEST

11th June 1988 marked the infamous Free Nelson Mandela Concert. Initially a celebration of his 70th birthday, the concert at Wembley Stadium was the idea was a platform for the Anti-Apartheid Revolution. In an incredibly racist South Africa, in 1962 Nelson Mandela was convicted to life imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the state. Whereas in reality he was fighting for equality. The performance in London was live-streamed to 67 countries and saw musical performances by the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Michael and Peter Gabriel, among many other artists and actors. Initially it was forbidden to make any political speeches on the main stage during the concert. However many of those who appeared in front of the crowd of 72,000 and the 600 million television viewers did not refrain from voicing their opinion. The comments made highlighted the importance of freeing Nelson Mandela, and freeing South Africa from apartheid.

BE HEARD AND GET INVOLVED

BACK TO LAW ON THE WALL

Lawyers Arts Club is an organisation creating content by uniting the law and the arts for the purpose of sparking discussion.



88-92 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN