15 of 79

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 5

of martial law, authorized military tribunals that had the capacity to gather intelligence through interrogation, and restricted information from becoming public.

<http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex /index.php/Civil_rights>
http://www.heritage.org/Resear ch/NationalSecurity/hl834.cfm

Today military tribunals and restriction of free speech is still seen as unconstitutional, but with homeland security in place, once again our citizens need to understand the process of past decisions in history. Although any law passed by Congress abridging the freedom of speech or of the press would be unconstitutional, this does not consider the role of the doctrine of "stare decisis", in which our nations judges consider previous decisions they (and other courts) have rendered to be binding precedent, decisions to be followed as if they were themselves laws. One notable case sited such an instance. "...The US Supreme Court has spoken of the ability to criticize government and government officials as "the central meaning of the First Amendment." New York Times v. Sullivan, but "guarantees for speech and press are not the preserve of political expression or comment upon public affairs, essential as those are to healthy government." Time, Inc. v. Hill..."

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F reedom_of_speech>

From the perspective of today's war, it does not seem uncommon to limit the media coverage of the war. When war broke out between the U.S. and Germany, a program of repression began that became an opportunity for conservatives to try to eradicate the socialists. (Divine 791).German language was removed from schools curriculum. Even German symphonic programs were removed from public viewing. One news editor said, ..."We must make the world safe for Democracy even if we have to bean the Goddess of Liberty to do it..." (Divine 791). Many people had even felt it close to treason to criticize the government shortly after 9-11. Often measures by our government appear harsh at the time, but in retrospect they are meant to protect our country. Perhaps the emotional propaganda used in President Wilson's propaganda campaign became somewhat like that of President Bushes pledge to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. Once the pretext to go to war was unleashed, any challenge to its validity was looked on as an unpatriotic action. Certain aspects of laws that limit civil rights may be justified. The media giving the logistics of our ships or troop movements to the enemy is never good. A policy of "...Loose lips sink ships" could still

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Critique of America's justice system?
We want to hear your view. Write now!