Trends In Sedition Laws: Implications For The Practice of Journalism in Developing Societies
Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science - Year 2018, Vol 23, Issue 1
Abstract
Political intolerance is a common observable fact in several societies especially developing countries where democracy is yet to be institutionalized. One of the fall-outs of the phenomenon is undue sensitivity to media criticisms which is the core issue this paper addresses. With an interdisciplinary research approach which aggregates a law and society perspective, the paper undertakes a review of relevant literature and pertinent judicial decisions on the subject and finds that across cultures, there are varying degrees of anti-democratic practices among which is the unending use of Sedition laws as a tool to dissuade free speech and repress political opposition. A combination of segments of the „Theories of the Press‟ upon which the study is anchored amply illuminates the dictatorial rationale for the arrest and harassment of opposition activists and media professionals on charges of sedition in different countries. It also throws light on the world-wide struggle for free speech and self regulation by the media. Having established that Sedition laws evolved in the early stages of societal development when feudalism and oligarchies which have largely become obsolete were in vogue, the paper calls for urgent repeal of such laws wherever they still exist to comply with the dictates of democracy and modern civilization where free speech is generally guaranteed by national constitutions.
Authors and Affiliations
Tonnie O Iredia PhD
Keywords
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- EP ID EP416681
- DOI 10.9790/0837-2301024450.
- Views 51
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