Of course it is, or should be. Because you would not want Obama or John Kerry decided what is “true,” would you?
Dissent against Global Warming? You’re a liar, and go to jail.
Say John Kerry got fake medals? You’re a liar, and go to jail?
Say a fetus is a child? You’re a liar, and go to jail.
Etc.
Lies must be protected, for fear of who judges what is true.
Now, if someone cons someone by lying (e.g., gets government benefits), well, that’s fraud, and a completely different story.
That is a good point you make. If a lie is not the truth, then exactly who is it who determines what is true and what is not, what is a lie and what is not?
The Ministry of Truth must decide what is and isn’t the Truth..................
That's what courts and juries are for. Just as the government cannot require that peoples mouths be taped shut, for fear they might shout fire in theater when there is no fire, you can not impose "prior restraint". But once the lie is told, then there can be accusations, criminal or civil. At that point, it's up to the jury.
So, your ability to lie is protected by the first amendment, but actaully lying is not.