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

Dictionary Entries Near clear and present danger

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 29 Nov. 2024.

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