NCJ Number
177540
Editor(s)
T L Roleff
Date Published
1999
Length
208 pages
Annotation
These 28 excerpts from books, journals, newspapers, and other sources present contrasting perspectives regarding civil liberties, including freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the separation of church and state, and the impact of the Internet.
Abstract
The volume aims to challenge readers to question their own opinions and assumptions and to enhance their critical reading and thinking skills. Individual papers present opposing arguments regarding restrictions on free speech, hate speech, flag burning as political speech, and legislation against pornography. Additional papers examine the impacts of a loss of privacy on society, the need for more laws to protect society, whether random drug tests on student athletes violate the right to privacy, and wiretaps. Further papers focus on the intentions of the Constitution's framers regarding the separation of church and state, school prayer, and the use of tax dollars to fund religious schools. Other papers focus on the Internet's impact on the right to privacy, the censorship of indecent material on the Internet, and computer encryption's impacts on public safety and privacy. Figures, illustrations, discussion questions, index, annotated list of resource organizations, section reference lists, and 34 references