Abstract

This review critically summarises Alexander Brown and Adriana Sinclair’s book, The Politics of Hate Speech Laws. The review proceeds by canvassing the main arguments presented in each of the book’s nine chapters, while also highlighting the book’s overarching themes and ideas. Ultimately it is suggested that the book will be of use to anyone interested in the political and philosophical aspects of the highly vexed issue of hate speech regulation. In particular the review praises the book’s pluralistic, ecumenical style, arguing that readers are sure to find arguments within the book with which they can engage, regardless of their pre-existing commitments and values. However, the review also notes that the book’s breadth-over-depth approach has several drawbacks. It is suggested, for instance, that some of the key proposals in the book would have benefited from being explored in greater critical detail.