This book focuses on the way in which public debate and legal practice intersect when it comes to the value of free speech and the need to regulate offensive, blasphemous or hate speech, especially, though not exclusively where such speech is thought to be offensive to members of ethnic and religious minorities. The themes addressed are of great significance for contemporary societies in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America, and although the volume focuses principally on the European context, it also addresses the theme on an international level. Contributions look at...

This book focuses on the way in which public debate and legal practice intersect when it comes to the value of free speech and the need to regulate "offensive," "blasphemous" or "hate" speech, especially, though not exclusively where such speech is thought to be offensive to members of ethnic and religious minorities.

The themes addressed are of great significance for contemporary societies in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America, and although the volume focuses principally on the European context, it also addresses the theme on an international level....