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Article
Hate Speech in Constitutional Jurisprudence: A Comparative Analysis
Cardozo Law Review
  • Michel Rosenfeld, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Abstract

The United States protects much hate speech that is banned in other Western constitutional democracies and under international human rights covenants and conventions. In the United States, only hate speech that leads to "incitement to violence" can be constitutionally restricted, while under the alternative approach found elsewhere, bans properly extend to hate speech leading to "incitement to hatred." The article undertakes a comparative analysis in light of changes brought by new technologies, such as the internet, which allow for worldwide spread of protected hate speech originating in the United States. After evaluating the respective doctrines, arguments and values involved, the article concludes that the United States approach is less defensible than its counterparts elsewhere.

Publisher
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Keywords
  • hate speech,
  • freedom of speech,
  • jurisprudence,
  • constitutional law
Disciplines
Citation Information
Michel Rosenfeld. "Hate Speech in Constitutional Jurisprudence: A Comparative Analysis" Cardozo Law Review Vol. 24 (2003) p. 1523
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michel-rosenfeld/39/