Freedom of Expression in Ukraine: (Non)sustainable Constitutional Tradition

Abstract

Freedom of expression is one of the prerequisites for the formation and existence of a democratic society; it belongs among the universal values of paramount importance, because it allows not only to freely express own views, but also reveal the potential of the individual. In addition, it is considered (and it is justified) as one of the main and unconditional achievements of the political reform that is being carried out in Ukraine. The guarantee of freedom of expression, which has the highest political normative content, is, on the one hand, the most important asset of an organic constitution, and on the other hand, serves as the main function of the constitution as a legal source that reflects and responds to the interests of civil society.

Keywords

• constitution
• constitutionalism
• democracy
• guarantee of freedom of expression
• liberty
• post-soviet legal tradition
• personal autonomy
• restriction of freedom of expression