Discourse of Rights: Political rhetoric at the end of the road

Author: (USA) Mary Ann Glendon
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This book is not purely a legal reading; it is also a piece of advice to the U.S. Supreme Court and an exhortation 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 has turned political discourse into an irresponsible "talk show," thereby destroying the opportunity for universal dialogue and damaging the foundation of ordered freedom. The shift in perspective may not seem particularly noteworthy, but the way the author seamlessly blends different elements in his discourse is enough to leave us with an irresistible urge to respond after enjoying the intellectual feast. Mary Ann 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 National Law Journal. Rights Discourse was written in 1991 and, following the translation and publication of Comparative Legal Traditions in 1993, will become the author's second major work to be introduced to China.