What type of speech is not protected by the 1st Amendment?

Incendiary speech is a category of expression that is not protected by the First Amendment when it incites imminent lawless action or poses a significant threat to public safety or security. The Supreme Court has established that speech can be restricted when it is deemed to create a clear and present danger, particularly if it incites violence or illegal activities.

While political speech, commercial speech, and artistic expression enjoy varying degrees of protection under the First Amendment, incendiary speech specifically deals with situations where the content of the speech endangers others or encourages unlawful behavior. Intent and the context in which the speech is conveyed are critical factors; if the spoken words are meant to provoke immediate harm or chaos, they may be deemed unprotected. This distinction highlights the balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and maintaining public order and safety.