Category: Free Downloads
Subtitle: An Analysis of the Law and New Developments in Four European Jurisdictions
Freedom of speech is one of the most relational and demanding fundamental freedoms. Freedom of speech is at the same time essential if we take human dignity seriously in practice. Free speech can only be relational. It exists only thanks to a speaker and listener. It exists only where two human beings talk or shout or even yell at each other (be that in person or online). Freedom of speech means that every individual has an equal right to express his or her opinion without being subject to any approval beforehand. Freedom of speech therefore cannot exist without the notion of equal human dignity. In a sense freedom of speech is ‘human dignity in action’ because it presupposes full equality of each human being vis a vis any other human being. This publication tries to outline how four European jurisdictions deal with hate speech and freedom of speech and draws some conclusions based on these comparisons. Only on that basis it is possible to come up with the concrete recommendations that can be taken into consideration by those responsible for legislation on these issues. Only on that basis it is possible to come up with the concrete recommendations that can be taken into consideration by those responsible for legislation on these issues. We hope that this publication will prove helpful for all these policy makers in Europe. Johannes de Jong Director Sallux | ECPM Foundation
For some the content may be challenging but it is essential that we do not only speak about the freedom of speech and hate speech in theoretical sense but also see how these issues boil down in actual laws and legislation.
