Discourse of Rights - Political Rhetoric at the End of the Road

Author: Mary
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This book is not just a purely legal reading; it is also a piece of advice to the U.S. Supreme Court and a warning to politicians. The author analyzes the negative effects of the "discourse of rights" from three dimensions—legal, social, and political. These include the legal deadlock caused by "mutual confrontation between rights"; the transformation of society into a land of strangers due to the "absence of discourse of responsibility"; and the "departure from tradition," which turns political discourse into an irresponsible "talk show," thereby killing the opportunity for universal dialogue and damaging the foundation of ordered freedom. The shift in perspective may not seem particularly noteworthy, but as the author skillfully blends different elements seamlessly in her discourse, it is enough to leave us with a strong urge to respond after enjoying the intellectual pleasure. Mary Anne Glendon is a senior law professor at Harvard University, renowned for her contributions to international human rights, comparative law, and constitutional law. She is celebrated in the U.S. legal community and was named one of the "50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America" by the American Journal of Jurisprudence. The Discourse of Rights was written in 1991 and, following Comparative Legal Traditions (published in translation in 1993), will become the author's second major work to be introduced to China.