Civil libertarianism
| Part ofa serieson |
| Libertarianism |
|---|
 |
Civil libertarianismis a strain ofpolitical thoughtthat supportscivil libertiesand rights,or which emphasizes the supremacy ofindividual rightsandpersonal freedomsover and against any kind of authority (such as astate,acorporation,social norms imposed throughpeer pressureand so on).[1]
In the libertarian movement
[edit]In the domain oflibertarianphilosophy, the primary concern of civil libertarians is the relationship between government and individuals. In theory, civil libertarians seek to restrict this relationship to an absolute minimum in which the state can function and provide basic services and securities without excessively interfering in the lives of its citizens. One key cause of civil libertarianism is upholdingfree speech.[2]Specifically, civil libertarians oppose bans onhate speechand obscenity.[3]Although they may or may not personally condone behaviors associated with these issues, civil libertarians hold that the advantages of unfettered public discourse outweigh any disadvantages, and that the coercion of speech is inherently wrong.[2]
See also
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References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^"Civil libertarian".Dictionary.reference.Archivedfrom the original on January 12, 2015.RetrievedNovember 14,2015.
- ^abMassaro 1991,pp. 222–227.
- ^Massaro 1991,p. 222-227.
Works cited
[edit]- Massaro, Toni M. (1991)."Equality and Freedom of Expression: The Hate Speech Dilemma".William and Mary Law Review.32(2): 211–265.