Freedom of speech in the United States

Freedom of speech, historically one of our most cherished rights, faces new challenges today. From the Internet and V-chips to campaign finance reform and the Patriot Act, new technology and social issues raise difficult First Amendment issues. This award-winning text offers a clear, thorough, and fascinating introduction to the complex history and current interpretations of our free speech principles. Beginning with the roots of Western free speech concepts in classical Greek thought and British common law, it traces the development of contemporary freedoms and controls from colonial times to the present, through significant legislation and Supreme Court cases. It explores issues arising from sedition, blasphemy, obscenity, political protest, commercial advertising, the right of the press to report news and express opinion, Internet access and filters, and other controversial issues. Important reading for students of the First Amendment, Freedom of Speech in the United States guides readers to an understanding of complex concepts with clear explanations, brief abstracts of major court cases, and numerous study aids. Thoroughly updated, the fifth edition shows how historical challenges to freedom of speech arise anew with the emergence of new technologies, political issues, and social concerns. FEATURES Clear, engaging writing provides an excellent introduction for readers with no legal background. Unique historical perspective shows evolution of current freedoms and limitations. Boxed summaries of major cases describe facts of each case, the decision, and its importance. Succinct explanations of major theorists (Chapter 15) show key perspectives. Abundant internal summaries and study aids guide student reading. 30 historical and contemporary illustrations bring history alive. FEATURES OF THE NEW EDITION Reflects current case law and decisions, including decisions from the 2004 Supreme Court session. Reflects current issues such as the USA Patriot Act, cyberporn, campaign finance reform, abortion clinic protests, others. New section on "Reasons for Free Speech" (Chapter 15).