Which Constitutional Amendment protects name-calling during a public speech?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is the key legal protection for free speech, which encompasses a wide range of expressions, including name-calling during public speeches. This Amendment ensures that individuals have the right to express their opinions, even when those opinions might be controversial or offensive to others. It protects various forms of speech, whether political, social, or personal in nature.

In the context of public speaking, the First Amendment allows individuals the liberty to criticize others and express dissenting viewpoints without fear of government censorship or punishment. This fundamental protection is crucial for maintaining a democratic society where free expression is valued, even if that expression includes name-calling or similarly disagreeable speech. The principle behind this protection is that a free exchange of ideas—including unpopular or offensive ones—is essential to a functioning democracy and the marketplace of ideas.