Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression

The Tension Between Blasphemy Laws And The Freedom Of Expression In Modern Times Is A Key Area Of Debate Within Legal Academia And Beyond. With Contributions By Leading Scholars This Volume Compares Blasphemy Laws Within A Number Of Western Liberal Democracies And Debates The Legitimacy Of These Laws In The Twenty-First Century. Including Comprehensive And Up-To-Date Comparative Country Studies This Book Considers The Formulation Of Blasphemy Bans Relevant Jurisprudential Interpretations The Effect On Society And The Ensuing Convictions And Penalties Where Applicable. It Provides A Useful Historical Analysis By Discussing The Legal-Political Rationales Behind The Recent Abolition Of Blasphemy Laws In Some Western States. Contributors Also Consider The Challenges To The Tenability Of Blasphemy Laws In A Selection Of Well-Balanced Theoretical Chapters. This Book Is Essential Reading For Scholars Working Within The Fields Of Human Rights Law Philosophy And Sociology Of Religion And Comparative Politics.