Finding, framing, and hanging Jefferson: a lost letter, a remarkable discovery, and freedom of speech in an age of terrorism

Showing his personal side in a endearing way, Dershowitz describes how his mania for collecting began in his early days in Brooklyn, collecting everything from Brooklyn Dodger autographs, baseball cards to comic books, stamps, coins,and bottle tops. A frequenter of flea markets and used bookstores, Alan Dershowitz found his personal Holy Grail at on old bookstore in New York when he came across an almost unknown letter from his hero Jefferson that illuminates his position about Freedom of Speech in a previously unknown way. He continues by telling us about his passion for Freedom of Speech and Jefferson, explaininghow the letter could have been written directly to him. He then engages Jefferson in a discussion of the points he makes in the letter and what position Jefferson would take today on freedom of speech in the context of the terrorism rife in our world today. Specifically he tackles the difficult and very timelysubject of where the line between criminal incitement to terrorism and the right to freely express one's opinion lies. The discussion is current and enlightening, as only Alan Dershowitz can make it. ‘A remarkable discovery leading to a remarkable book. As indicated by the subtitle, Dershowitz (Harvard Law Sch.; The Case for Israel) serendipitously located and then purchased a lengthy statement by Thomas Jefferson touching upon freedom of speech. The statement isnot only notable for its contribution to our understanding of this eminent American's thoughts on the subject, as well as those of the Founding Fathers in drawing the original constitutional limitations on expressive speech and actions, but is of vital importance in illuminating current debate on the subject of terrorism and the right to express unpopular opinions and politics. Entrusted to a scholar of note and a prolific writer not fearful of engaging in cutting-edge arguments, the letter leads to a fascinating exchange of views that will provide signal assistance to anyone vitally interested in politics, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. In addition, the author engages in a lively recitation of his lifelong passion for collecting rarities and treasures, which many share. Given its clear explanation of the debate surrounding the right to speak out, as well as its genuinely amusing elements, this book should bemade available to a wide-ranging readership in all general libraries.’ GillesRenaud, Ontario Court of Justice, Cornwall

• ISBN: 978-0-470-45043-7
• Editorial: John Wiley & Sons
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 256
• Fecha Publicación: 23/04/2009
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés