Customer Reviews

1st Amendment (Concepts and Insights)

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This is a very rewarding and well-written text on all the issues concerned with the First Amendment, which are far more complicated than you might think. The book starts strongly with in-depth coverage of the original language of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights, different schools of thought on the nature of free speech, and how the doctrine of free speech developed over time. Key concepts such as the "content distinction" are then introduced, followed by distinct chapters on problematic free speech issues such as hate speech, sexual material, and speech in public schools. Farber does a good job of detailing important court cases in which relevant free speech rules were defined, as well as interesting contemporary cases in which new issues have been raised. The best aspect of this book is Farber's very strong writing about ethical issues, social problems, and unclear court doctrines. He's very good at coming up with hypothetical situations to illustrate loopholes in First Amendment law, and his examination of the social issues behind hate speech and pornography are outstandingly written and evenhanded, and are the impressive highlights of the book. This is highly recommended for anyone studying the unexpectedly complicated realm of free speech in America. [~doomsdayer520~]

Farber takes the first amendment and in an easy to understand fashion explains how the Supreme Court interprets laws regarding our free speech as American Citizens.