clear and present danger

noun

clear and pres·​ent dan·​ger
: a risk or threat to safety or other public interests that is serious and imminent
especially : one that justifies limitation of a right (as freedom of speech or press) by the legislative or executive branch of government
a clear and present danger of harm to others or himself
see also freedom of speech, Schenck v. United States

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Cite this Entry

“Clear and present danger.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/clear%20and%20present%20danger. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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