The First Amendment, Freedom of Speech: Its Constitutional History and the Contemporary Debate (Bill of Rights) [Paperback]

Vikram David Amar (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Bill of Rights | Publication Date: April 24, 2009

This volume collects, edits, and presents some of the most important classic and cutting-edge thinking on the constitutional freedom of speech. Students of law, political science, and all who are interested in understanding the basics of American self-government will be able to see the important themes, values, conflicts, and possible resolutions concerning this, our most cherished, democratic freedom. Vikram David Amar has organised the collection into three major sections: historical foundations, theoretical paradigms, and selected doctrinal battlegrounds. Within this framework, he has selected some of the most significant works that address these various themes, including: William Blackstone's classic "Commentaries on the Laws of England" (1769) and Zacharia Chaffee's timeless essay "Free Speech in War Time" (1919), as well as works from more contemporary constitutional giants such as Cass Sunstein's "Free Speech Now" (1992), Alexander Meiklejohn's "The First Amendment Is an Absolute" (1961), Kathleen Sullivan's "Political Money and Freedom of Speech" (1997), and many more influential articles. At a time when America is trying to export democracy abroad and preserve it at home against a backdrop of international security concerns, figuring out how society should permit its citizens to identify and represent themselves and come together to deliberate collectively is arguably more crucial now than ever before.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (April 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591026326
• ISBN-13: 978-1591026327
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)