Eloquence and reason : creating a First Amendment culture / Robert L. Tsai.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tsai, Robert L., 1971-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Constitution--1st Amendment.

United States.

Freedom of speech--United States.

Freedom of speech.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (1 online resource (xiii, 198 p.))

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven : Yale University Press, c2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This provocative 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. Robert L. Tsai 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, he illustrates how committed citizens seek to promote or destabilize a convergence in constitutional ideas. Eloquence and Reason reveals the social and institutional processes through which foundational ideas are generated and defends a cultural role for the courts.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Freedom as a Matter of Faith

2. Metaphor and Community

3. Linguistic Transformation

4. Political Pathways

5. War and Syntax

6. Adjudication as Facilitation

Coda

Notes

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786612351594

9781282351592

1282351591

9780300151879

030015187X

OCLC:

593251085