Some Realism About the Free Speech Critique of Copyright
37 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2005
Abstract
This article examines from a legal realist point of view the free speech critique of copyright - a cluster of arguments designed to encourage courts to use free speech principles to limit the length and scope of copyright laws, and to give defendants (especially transformative ones) a boost in infringement litigation. The article points out that the free speech critique needs to treat copyright and infringement suits as state action, and tends to treat users as dependent upon, and potentially oppressed by, rights-holders. Both moves - collapsing the public-private distinction and denying the autonomy of individuals - are legal realist staples. By contrast, however, free speech doctrine cannot work without a clear notion of private action and of individual autonomy. Applied consistently, the critique's premises would disable the doctrines they are designed to invoke. In addition, the critique does not turn its realism on free speech doctrine, which has become highly formal. Though the critique contains some wonderfully creative and erudite arguments, these problems are too much for it to overcome.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation