Bar Exam Practice 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "pure speech" specifically refers to spoken words and is understood as the most protected form of expression under the First Amendment. It encompasses verbal communication where there is no conduct or symbolic act accompanying the expression.

Pure speech is distinguished from other forms of expression because it is directly tied to the communication of ideas and information through spoken language, which is given the highest level of protection by the courts. It is important to recognize that while spoken words are indeed a form of expression, pure speech does not include any accompanying actions or symbols, which would fall under different categories of speech, such as symbolic speech or expressive conduct.

In contrast to the other options, written words and actions combined introduce different elements of communication that would not classify as "pure speech". For example, symbolic acts conveying a message involve the use of symbols or actions to express an idea, which are treated differently in legal contexts.