The Pentagon Papers: National Security Versus the Public's Right to Know (Famous Trials) [Library Binding]

Geoffrey A. Campbell (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Famous Trials

Discusses the Supreme Court trial which resulted from the decision of the New York Times newspaper to publish secret government documents about the Vietnam War.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-When the New York Times attempted to publish articles based upon the Pentagon Papers in 1971, the Nixon Administration went to court to attempt to stop the stories. This book covers the legal action that surrounded the case. Campbell opens with a review of the contents of the Pentagon Papers and a brief history of the conflicts between the press and the government during wartime. From there he covers the legal proceedings, which began in district court and ended with the Supreme Court's decision in less than three weeks. The author is objective about the case, describing the legal reasoning and arguments of both sides as well as analyzing the reasoning behind the Court's rather narrow decision. He concludes with a chapter on the legacy of the ruling, describing how it has affected the publication of other war-related stories. Campbell uses primary sources and documents the text with source notes. Black-and-white photos add little to the text. Although this book deals with the very essence of the First Amendment, it will not appeal to a general audience. The topic is covered in virtually all books on the subject and most readers will find the legal arguments difficult and dry reading, making this title a for-reports-only choice for libraries based upon need.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lucent Books (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156006692X
• ISBN-13: 978-1560066927
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,278,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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