The Content and Context of Hate Speech: Rethinking Regulation and Responses - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521191092 ISBN 13: 9780521191098

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

The contributors to this volume consider whether it is possible to establish carefully tailored hate speech policies that are cognizant of the varying traditions, histories and values of different countries. Throughout, there is a strong comparative emphasis, with examples (and authors) drawn from around the world. All the authors explore whether or when different cultural and historical settings justify different substantive rules given that such cultural relativism can be used to justify content-based restrictions and so endanger freedom of expression. Essays address the following questions, among others: is hate speech in fact so dangerous or harmful to vulnerable minorities or communities as to justify a lower standard of constitutional protection? What harms and benefits accrue from laws that criminalize hate speech in particular contexts? Are there circumstances in which everyone would agree that hate speech should be criminally punished? What lessons can be learned from international case law?

About this title

Review:

'... a wide and encompassing look at hate speech in its various forms and the various factors (of which modern communications is but one) that push for a rethink of regulations. ... The Content and Context of Hate Speech is a useful and enjoyable book for anyone who is interested in the issue, whether as part of academic research, as a participant in the public debate or as a media professional. The book can be read through from beginning to end, to challenge the mind and get new ideas, or it can be used to go deeper on specific issues through the interesting sources referred to and the many new facts presented.' Katrin Merike Nyman-Metcalf, International and Comparative Law Quarterly

'The 'context' of anti-Gypsyism, and the connections between hateful words and heinous deeds pose profound and troubling questions for champions of free speech and opponents of content-based bans ... This stimulating collection of interviews and essays edited by Herz and Molnar provides a singularly comprehensive rethink on responses to the content and context of hate speech.' Bernard Rorke, European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) blog

'[The title] The Content and Context of Hate Speech: Rethinking Regulation and Responses is well chosen for the collection of essays assembled by [Herz and Molnar] ... To the extent that this can be done in a few words, it encapsulates an important part of the debate over what to do about hate speech. The essays reflect a broad consensus that hate speech is one of the afflictions of our era and that there is a need to counter it. ... There is much to admire in the essays ...' Aryeh Neier, International Journal of Constitutional Law

Book Description:

The contributors to this volume consider whether it is possible to establish carefully tailored hate speech policies that are cognizant of the varying traditions, histories and values of different countries. Throughout, there is a strong comparative emphasis, with examples (and authors) drawn from around the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0521191092
• ISBN 13: 9780521191098
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 568
• Editor: Herz Michael, Molnar Peter