Freedom of Speech – Why Satire Is Protected

What Is Satire?

Satire is a type of literature and performing arts in which entities and individuals may be ridiculed. Commonly, the object of a satirical production is an individual in power or the government more broadly. In this type of production, the individual or entity’s vices or shortcomings may be exaggerated for comedic relief and as a form of public shaming. This form of commentary is usually politically charged and blurs the line between truth and outrageousness. In some satirical forms, the comments are intentionally injurious and offensive. However, these otherwise offensive statements may include protected ideas and opinions.

What Is the Purpose of Satire?

In many productions, satire provides constructive criticism of certain individuals and entities. It may also help expose certain characteristics of an entity or individual to help establish awareness of these characteristics throughout society. Ideally, satire will help society communicate about social issues. Comic relief is normally a secondary purpose of satire.

In particular, satire provides a form for individuals to criticize government, thus enhancing public rhetoric. When it is aimed at political issues, it can be construed as political speech, which is the most protected form of speech under the First Amendment. Through this form of satire, individuals can freely ridicule leading political figures, religion and other forms of power. If influential, satire has the ability to get administrations to amend or establish new policies.

Additionally, satire provides a way for society to reveals its values and beliefs. It also allows the social communication regarding how powers are structured. Through this form of satire, the collective beliefs of a culture can be preserved and later evaluated by progeny. Satire protects the right to culture, science and artistic production.

What Elements are Part of Satire?

Satire is individually-constructed and therefore may contain different elements. However, many forms of satire feature parody, exaggeration, sarcasm, analogy and irony.

How Is Satire Different from Parody?

Parody is a distorted imitation of an original work that is used to comment on the original work. It is often used to criticize politicians and social views, such as through the use of political cartoons. In contrast, satire may use original works, but it does so for the purpose of commenting on something other than the original work.

In some forms of satire and parody, it is difficult to discern whether the publication is truthful or satire or parody. Some forms cause great offense to the subject of the work. However, parody and satire are often aimed at political figures. These individuals are commonly considered “public figures or public officials.” As an inherent aspect of a political life is the confrontation with disenchanted members of the public and ridicule of the individual and political office or issue. Therefore, the United States Supreme Court does not allow for recovery for parody or satire under a libel or slander claim unless the alleged victim can prove actual malice in the publication.

Some court cases have made distinctions between satire and parody, sometimes providing a greater degree of protection for the latter. For instance, some courts have found that parody satisfies fair use requirements under copyright law while satires are disfavored under the same regime.

What Are Some Issues Surrounding Copyright Laws and Satire?

If an artist copies a work that is copyrighted by another person or entity, the artist may face a lawsuit for violation of copyright laws. However, if the same artist successfully asserts fair use, this can serve as an affirmative defense to a copyright infringement violation. Fair use protects specific types of use of intellectually-protected works. These areas often include criticism, education, comment and parody.

If a case of this nature is carried through litigation, courts examine several factors to determine whether the use should be considered fair. For example, they consider the amount that the original work was used, the purpose of the use and the financial effect of the new work on the original work. While parodies are generally protected in this type of litigation, the role of satire is not as clear. This may be founded on the principle that satire does not have to rely on the original work in order to make its social statement, unlike parody.

Provided by HG.org

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome as individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an experienced lawyer to understand current laws and.how they may affect a case.

Need a Lawyer? Let Us Help You