The legal limitations of the freedom of expression

Abstract

Defining the freedom of expression. The European Convention on human rights defines the freedom of expression as follows: "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and idea without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent states from requiring the licensing of broadcasting television or cinema enterprises". Very similar provisions appear in the constitution of B.R.D., Cyprus, Sweden, Spain, Zimbabwe, in the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and of Malta. It is readily apparent that the Universal Declaration of human Rights (Art. 19): the international Covenant of Civil and Political Rights 1966 (Art. 19) and the European Convention of human Rights (Art. 10) were the relevant blueprints which the drafters of our constitution, made use of, in order to mould S 42 of the Constitution.