Free Speech Theory

Beginning with internet neutrality and ending with an overview of developing free expression controversies in comparable western democracies, experts reestablish the link between free expression and the underlying values it may serve.

The rallying cry of "Free speech!" has long served as a touchstone for liberals and conservatives, alike, engaged in political polarization conflict and discourse. The democratization of media and the feverish pitch of political polarization, however, have contributed to the weaponization of free expression. From Colin Kaepernick to "fake news," boycotts of partisan television programming to removals of Confederate monuments, internet neutrality to the silencing of college professors and all points between, citizens and pundits all too frequently wield the slogan of "Free speech!" as the sword and shield of political discourse. Oftentimes, ironically they do so with little regard for the views of their opponents. As a result, society risks trading a substantive value for an empty slogan or, far worse, blind authority.To rediscover the underlying assumptions and social values served by free expression, and to move current controversies beyond rhetorical flourishes, Helen J. Knowles and Brandon T. Metroka assemble an impressive group of legal and political scholars to address one overarching question: "Why should we value free speech?" Through analyses of several recent controversies invoking concerns for free expression, the contributors to this volume make complex political theory accessible, informative, and entertaining. Beginning with internet neutrality and ending with an overview of developing free expression controversies in comparable western democracies, experts reestablish the link between free expression and the underlying values it may serve. In doing so, this volume unearths values previously unexamined in our modernbut increasingly impoverished and bitterpolitical discourse.

Autorentext

Helen J. Knowles is Associate Professor of Political Science at the State University of New York at Oswego. Brandon T. Metroka is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. He has authored and co-authored articles examining free expression and judicial behavior that have appeared in the Justice System Journal, American University International Law Review, and Washington & Lee Law Review.

Inhalt

Acknowledgments Helen J. Knowles/Brandon T. Metroka: Introduction: Why Free Speech Theory Matters James C. Foster: No Neutrality: Hobbesian Constitutionalism in the Internet Age Mark A. Graber: Freedoms of Speech in the Multiversity Keith J. Bybee/Laura E. Jenkins: Free Speech, Free Press, and Fake News: What If the Marketplace of Ideas Isn't About Identifying Truth? Logan Strother/Nathan T. Carrington: Free Speech and Confederate Symbols Aaron Lorenz: Speech and National Past Times: The NFL, the Flag, and Professional Athletes Jason Zenor: The Slants and Blurred Lines: The Conflict Between Free Speech and Intellectual Property Law Katharine Gelber: Free Speech Debates in Australia: Contemporary Controversies Ian Cram: Parliamentary and Judicial Treatments of Free Speech Interests in the UK Helen J. Knowles/Brandon T. Metroka: Conclusion: It's Still Complicated Contributors Index