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How do Ireland and the US frame freedom of expression?

Two countries can protect freedom of expression using different constitutional language. Ireland and the United States provide a useful comparison, but reading the words is only the beginning. Court decisions, the setting, and who is restricting speech all matter before predicting the outcome of a real dispute.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • What differences are visible in the two constitutional texts?
  • Which court decisions would help explain how those words apply in practice?

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Who reviews a refused Irish freedom-of-information request?

Law and rights4–5 minAn ordinary Irish FOI request begins with the public body holding the records. A refusal can lead to internal review and then review by the Information Commissioner, although exceptions affect the usual route.

Law and rights

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

The judge and jury share a courtroom while answering different questions. In the Irish jury-trial example, the judge directs on law, the jury reaches a verdict from the evidence, and sentencing after a guilty verdict belongs to the judge.

3–5 min

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

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Why does EU legislation come as both regulations and directives?

Law and rights3–5 minEU legal acts can set common rules in different ways. A regulation applies across the EU, while a directive sets a result for the countries addressed to achieve through national measures.

How do Ireland and the US frame freedom of expression? | Speech Topic | speaking.app