Freedom of Speech

Book excerpt: This title was first published in 2000. This text presents a two-volume collection of theoretical articles on the topic of freedom of speech. The articles have all been written since the early 1970s. The first volume begins with an encyclopaedia entry, functioning as an overview of the topic, and further articles deal with justificatory theories of freedom of speech, the scope of the First Amendment, the value of free speech, communication control in law and society, and what kinds of acts raise freedom of speech concerns. The second volume turns to doctrinal theories, examining insults, incitements and governmental subsidies. Areas addressed include distinctions between content regulations, Robert Post's concepts of the public forum and public discourse and their bearing on free speech doctrine, and the significant arena for free speech controversies in the future.