Title: The Freedom not to speak /
Authors: Bosmajian, Haig A.
Publisher: New York University Press,
Year: 1999
Subjects: Freedom of speech United States History; Silence (Law) United States History.; Confession (Law) United States History.; Self-incrimination United States History.
Abstract: "Haig Bosmajian traces the history of the freedom not to speak from the Middle Ages and Inquisition to the Salem witchcraft trials and on to the twentieth century and the House Committee on Un-American Activities. His history addresses the eighteenth-century Revolutionary War and demands for expressions of loyalty, the Civil War and Reconstruction loyalty oaths, and the expulsion of Jehovah's Witnesses from schools for refusing to salute the flag."--Jacket.
Contents: Heresy, the Inquisition, and coerced speech -- Coerced speech in early America -- "I do solemnly swear--" in mid-twentieth century America -- From "I pledge allegiance--" to "Are you a member of--?" -- Coerced speech and un-American activities committees -- A freedom not to speak.