THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE

by William O. Douglas ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 16, 1957

Supreme Court Justice Douglas examines the abuses of human right evident in America today. He analyzes the threats posed against freedom of speech, stating that free speech does not exist unless there is freedom to challenge the very postulates on which our existing regime rests. The concept that the sovereign power belongs to the people assures us the opportunity of reform. He makes a point too often ignored, that our freedom must be responsible, disciplined and informed, and to this end, government must keep hands off the channels of opinion, -- literature, the stage, the screen, free expression in political campaigns. He discusses the dangers inherent in censorship; the controls operative on free expression- and the misuse of these controls. The right to know is basic to our freedoms. He then goes on to the right to privacy- to travel- and the complications resulting from the threat of Communism and the concern for the problem of subversion, which have resulted in abuse in loyalty oaths, investigations, security programs. Religious freedom and the sanctity of the home, too, are examined, as they protect the dignity of man. In today's challenges lie the danger that the citizen will be caught in the treadmill of exceptions. The final section deals with civilian authority over military and the dangerous drift towards according the military the precedence. A thought-provoking book.

Pub Date: Jan. 16, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION