Charles Schenck v. United States

Charles Schenck v. United States (1919) was a landmark Supreme Court case concerning free speech during wartime. Schenck, a socialist, was convicted for distributing leaflets urging resistance to the military draft during World War I. He argued that his First Amendment rights were violated. The Supreme Court ruled against him, establishing the "clear and present danger" test. This means that speech can be limited if it poses a significant risk of inciting illegal actions, like obstructing draft efforts. The case highlighted the balance between free expression and national security, particularly in times of conflict.