The Impact of Law on Public Discourse and Communication

Asiimwe Aisha

Department of Public Administration and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the intricate relationship between legal systems and public discourse, emphasizing how laws both shape and are shaped by communicative practices across different societies and historical periods. By tracing the historical evolution of communication laws—from ancient oral traditions to the complex realities of the internet age—the paper demonstrates how legal frameworks regulate public expression, speech, and media engagement. Key areas of focus include freedom of speech, censorship, defamation, hate speech, social media regulation, and emerging trends in digital communication law. Special attention is given to the power dynamics inherent in communication regulation and the global divergence in legal norms. The study highlights the growing tension between ensuring open communication and protecting societal values, proposing that the law serves as both a constraint and enabler of discourse. Through case studies, international comparisons, and legal theory, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of law in shaping the possibilities and limits of public communication in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Keywords: Communication Law, Public Discourse, Freedom of Speech, Censorship, Defamation, Hate Speech, Social Media Regulation

CITE AS: Asiimwe Aisha (2025). The Impact of Law on Public Discourse and Communication. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 6(1):8-14 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJCIAM/2025/6.1.814