Free Speech and Human Dignity
Will be published approx. on 13. May 2008
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-300-11486-7 (ISBN)
Description
Debates over hate speech, pornography, and other sorts of controversial speech raise issues that go to the core of the First Amendment. Supporters of regulation argue that these forms of expression cause serious injury to individuals and groups, assaulting their dignity as human beings and citizens. Civil libertarians respond that our commitment to free speech is measured by our willingness to protect it, even when it causes harm or offends our deepest values.
In this important book, Steven J. Heyman presents a theory of the First Amendment that seeks to overcome the conflict between free speech and human dignity. This liberal humanist theory recognizes a strong right to freedom of expression while also providing protection against the most serious forms of assaultive speech. Heyman then uses the theory to illuminate a wide range of contemporary disputes, from flag burning and antiabortion demonstrations to pornography and hate speech.
In this important book, Steven J. Heyman presents a theory of the First Amendment that seeks to overcome the conflict between free speech and human dignity. This liberal humanist theory recognizes a strong right to freedom of expression while also providing protection against the most serious forms of assaultive speech. Heyman then uses the theory to illuminate a wide range of contemporary disputes, from flag burning and antiabortion demonstrations to pornography and hate speech.
Reviews / Votes
"Steven J. Heyman's liberal humanism exhibits a profound understanding of the tragic conflicts often presented in free speech cases. This is an exciting contribution to the first amendment literature."-Steven Shiffrin, Charles Frank Reavis Sr. Professor of Law, Cornell University-- Steven Shiffrin "In Free Speech and Human Dignity, Steve Heyman shows us the original understanding of the First Amendment guarantees of free speech, thought, and worship as a part of a broad array of natural rights including dignity, personal security, personality, and community. This important book gives us a fresh interpretation of the First Amendment that is both liberal and humanist and leaves the reader with a far deeper appreciation of the natural rights tradition at its heart."-Robin West, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center -- Robin West "Free Speech and Human Dignity offers an elegant, clear-headed, and fair-minded argument for the regulation of speech that is inconsistent with human dignity. Heyman presents the most convincing possible case for the legal prohibition of such speech. His book should be studied by all who are concerned to understand this difficult and significant issue."-Robert Post, David Boies Professor of Law, Yale Law School -- Robert Post "A fascinating work demonstrating how insights from the eighteenth century may properly inform answers to pressing constitutional problems of the present."-Mark Graber, Professor of Law and Government, University of Maryland School of Law and author of Dred Scott and the Problem of Constitutional Evil -- Mark Graber
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
668 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-11486-7 (9780300114867)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Steven J. Heyman
Free Speech and Human Dignity
E-Book
12/2008
1st Edition
Yale University Press
€73.95
Available for download
Person
Steven J. Heyman is professor of law, Chicago-Kent College of Law. He lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.