Historical Dictionary of Censorship in the United States

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By Leon Hurwitz

ISBN: 0-313-23878-2

ISBN-13: 978-0-313-23878-9

DOI:

647 pages, apps.

Greenwood Press

Publication: 11/19/1985

List Price: $79.95 (UK Sterling Price: £44.95)

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Media Type: Hardcover

Reviews:

This dictionary of legal cases, laws, censorship targets, and related topics explains the issues behind significant censorship cases and the precedents set by their judgments. In addition, the dictionary discusses legal concepts and organizations relating to censorship, both those promoting and those opposing it. The articles objectively explain the background and issues of court cases ... Numerous cross-references within articles allow readers to trace the development of a principle through relevant cases. A lengthy introductory essay by the compiler ... examines the development of various types of censorship and judicial interpretations of First Amendment guarantees. A chronology from the ratification of the First Amendment in 1789 through 1984 summarizes the courts' attempts to suppress free expression. The book concludes with a Table of Cases, a Selected Bibliography, and an Index. This title will be most useful in providing background information on particular cases. As the bicentennial of the Constitution approaches, it will become even more useful in public and academic libraries.
—Reference Books Bulletin
In this informative dictionary, Hurwitz surveys the types of expression that have been subject to censorship, repression, and punishment in the US, focusing on four broad categories of censorship: political censorship, community censorship, constitutional censorship, and moral censorship. The author...writes consciously from a public policy perspective. While the author disavows any claim to being exhaustive, it is clear that his coverage is comprehensive. The main body of the work is arranged alphabetically with numerous cross-references and covers court cases, statutes, judicial doctrines, organizations, banned books and films, and other terms concerning censorship. The entries vary in length from a short paragraph or two to several pages. In addition to the index the appended material consists of a chronology, a table of cases, and a selected bibliography. The author provides a good overview of the subject in a 50-page introductory essay. This valuable reference work is highly recommended for all libraries.
—CHOICE

LC Card Number: 84-15796

LCC Class: KF4770

Dewey Class: 344.73


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