Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2001
Sedition Laws Re-enacted
Thomas M. Miovas, Jr.
I heard on the Michael Savage Show last night (tape delayed in the DFW
area) that 200 year old sedition laws have been re-enacted as part of the
domestic battle against terrorism. Sedition means "incitement of public
disorder or rebellion against a government" and "any action in speech or
writing promoting such disorder or rebellion." It is my understanding that
these laws have seldom been used in the United States due to their
potential conflict with freedom of speech or freedom of the press, but they
were used in the 1950's to combat potential communist agitations.
[Tom Miovas: The sedition laws have been controversial since the founding
of this country. And their enactment and uses -- and potential mis-uses --
are definitely something to be watched over very carefully.]
