This phrase was made famous by a supreme court decision about free speech. It was an analogy then, too. The ACTUAL speech that was being restricted was pamphlets protesting the draft in WW1, not yelling in a theatre, and that decision was rightly overturned a long time ago. People always quote it when talking about freedom of speech, but the fact that it's most famous use was to justify outlawing speech that should have been legal really makes it's use fall flat.
This phrase was made famous by a supreme court decision about free speech. It was an analogy then, too. The ACTUAL speech that was being restricted was pamphlets protesting the draft in WW1, not yelling in a theatre, and that decision was rightly overturned a long time ago. People always quote it when talking about freedom of speech, but the fact that it's most famous use was to justify outlawing speech that should have been legal really makes it's use fall flat.
Looks like my public education has greatly failed me. This is excellent to know for the next time.