Considering the meaning and scope of freedom of speech, this work examines the varied approaches of different legal systems and constitutional traditions to balancing free speech and freedom of the press against rights to reputation and privacy, and to copyright.

He examines the varied approaches of different legal systems and constitutional traditions to balancing free speech and freedom of the press against rights to reputation and privacy, and to copyright and explores the case law in light of the philosophical and political arguments for free speech guarantees.

A Note on Abbreviations
Table of English cases
Table of United States cases
Table of Canadian cases
Table of German cases
Table of Decisions of the European Court and Commission of Human Rights
Cases from other jurisdictions
I. WHY PROTECT FREE SPEECH ?
II. FREE SPEECH IN LIBERAL LEGAL SYSTEMS
III. THE SCOPE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH
IV. PRIOR RESTRAINTS
V. POLITICAL SPEECH
VI. LIBEL AND INVASION OF PRIVACY
VII. COPYRIGHT AND OTHER PROPERTY RIGHTS
VIII. MEETINGS, PROTEST, AND PUBLIC ORDER
IX. FREE SPEECH AND THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
X. PORNOGRAPHY
XI.
COMMERCIAL SPEECH
XII. FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE MEDIA
XIII.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE INTERNET
XIV.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN SPECIAL CONTEXTS
Select bibliography
Index