Robert L. Tsai
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300117233
- eISBN:
- 9780300151879
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300117233.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
This book presents a theory of the First Amendment's development. During the twentieth century, Americans gained trust in its commitments, turned the First Amendment into an instrument for social ...
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This book presents a theory of the First Amendment's development. During the twentieth century, Americans gained trust in its commitments, turned the First Amendment into an instrument for social progress, and exercised their rhetorical freedom to create a common language of rights. The book explains that the guarantees of the First Amendment have become part of a governing culture and nationwide priority. Examining the rhetorical tactics of activists, presidents, and lawyers, it illustrates how committed citizens seek to promote or destabilize a convergence in constitutional ideas. The book reveals the social and institutional processes through which foundational ideas are generated and defends a cultural role for the courts.Less
This book presents a theory of the First Amendment's development. During the twentieth century, Americans gained trust in its commitments, turned the First Amendment into an instrument for social progress, and exercised their rhetorical freedom to create a common language of rights. The book explains that the guarantees of the First Amendment have become part of a governing culture and nationwide priority. Examining the rhetorical tactics of activists, presidents, and lawyers, it illustrates how committed citizens seek to promote or destabilize a convergence in constitutional ideas. The book reveals the social and institutional processes through which foundational ideas are generated and defends a cultural role for the courts.
