Banned books, defamation suits, de-platformed public figures, alt-righters without a venue: is there a crisis of free speech in New Zealand? And what exactly is free speech: a necessary guarantee of democracy or a misused threat to the common good?
On September 10, 2018, The Big Q and the Project for Public Interest Media hosted four experts to discuss free speech: Paul Spoonley, Jane Norton, Tim Dare, and Maria Armoudian. The discussion was moderated by James Robins, managing editor of The Big Q.
Paul Spoonley is a Distinguished Professor and the Pro Vice-Chancellor at Massey University. He is an expert in hate speech.
Jane Norton is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Auckland. She is an expert in New Zealand constitutional law and legal theory.
Tim Dare is a Professor in Philosophy at the University of Auckland. He is an expert in the philosophy of law.
Maria Armoudian is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland. She is an expert in politics and the media.
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Photo Credit: Sam Smith
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q.
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