Abstract
The limits of the freedom of expression are a perennial discussion in human
rights discourse. This article focuses on identifying yardsticks to establish
the boundaries of freedom of expression in cases where violence is a
risk. It does so by using insights from the social sciences on the escalation
of violent conflict. By emphasizing the interaction between violence
and discourse, and its effect on antagonisms between groups, it offers an
interdisciplinary perspective on an ongoing legal debate. It introduces the
notion of “fear speech” and argues that it may be much more salient in
this context than hate speech.
rights discourse. This article focuses on identifying yardsticks to establish
the boundaries of freedom of expression in cases where violence is a
risk. It does so by using insights from the social sciences on the escalation
of violent conflict. By emphasizing the interaction between violence
and discourse, and its effect on antagonisms between groups, it offers an
interdisciplinary perspective on an ongoing legal debate. It introduces the
notion of “fear speech” and argues that it may be much more salient in
this context than hate speech.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 779-797 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Human Rights Quarterly |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |