This is a fully revised and updated new edition of the classic work first published in 1985. There have been many important developments since the first edition including the impact of the European Human Rights Convention. Social and cultural changes mean that free speech claims are being made in novel contexts. Barendt considers the meaning and scope of freedom of speech and examines the varied approaches of different legal systems and constitutional traditions to balancing free speech and freedom of the press against rights to reputation and privacy, and to copyright.
A Note on Abbreviations Table of English cases Table of United States cases Table of Canadian cases Table of German cases Table of Decisions of the European Court and Commission of Human Rights Cases from other jurisdictions I. WHY PROTECT FREE SPEECH ? II. FREE SPEECH IN LIBERAL LEGAL SYSTEMS III. THE SCOPE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH IV. PRIOR RESTRAINTS V. POLITICAL SPEECH VI. LIBEL AND INVASION OF PRIVACY VII. COPYRIGHT AND OTHER PROPERTY RIGHTS VIII. MEETINGS, PROTEST, AND PUBLIC ORDER IX. FREE SPEECH AND THE JUDICIAL PROCESS X. PORNOGRAPHY XI. COMMERCIAL SPEECH XII. FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE MEDIA XIII. FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE INTERNET XIV. FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN SPECIAL CONTEXTS Select bibliography Index
Eric Barendtis Goodman Professor of Media Law at University College London.