Is Free Speech Compatible with Human Dignity, Equality, and Democratic Government: America, a Free Speech Island in a Sea of Censorship?

Drexel Law Review Vol. 6:1, 2014

46 Pages Posted: 18 Sep 2014

See all articles by James M. Boland

James M. Boland

Regent University School of Law

Date Written: September 15, 2014

Abstract

The American model of free speech jurisprudence is based upon the absolutist language of the First Amendment — Congress shall pass no law abridging freedom of speech. This model is unique in the Western world and glaringly contrasts with free speech models in Britain and Canada — examples of which I have labeled the European Model. This Article examines these models and the foundations and presuppositions of both, and the extent to which Canada and Britain, in applying the European Model, protect or fail to protect their citizens’ freedom of expression. Is one model moving toward totalitarianism while pretextually asserting it is standing for human dignity, equality, and democracy? This article answers that question.

Suggested Citation

Boland, James M., Is Free Speech Compatible with Human Dignity, Equality, and Democratic Government: America, a Free Speech Island in a Sea of Censorship? (September 15, 2014). Drexel Law Review Vol. 6:1, 2014, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2496549

James M. Boland (Contact Author)

Regent University School of Law ( email )

1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.regent.edu/boland

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
173
Abstract Views
1,168
Rank
312,838
PlumX Metrics