1. G-STRING CONSPIRACY, POLITICAL REPRISAL OR ARMED REVOLT?
- Author
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Pahl, Thomas L.
- Subjects
- *
SEDITION , *POLITICAL crimes & offenses , *TRIALS (Conspiracy) , *LEGISLATION , *JURISTIC acts , *SUBVERSIVE activities , *CASE studies , *CRIMES against public safety , *ACTIONS & defenses (Law) - Abstract
In this paper the author attempts to show how the first Smith Act case arose in the U.S., a case which because of its reasoning has had great legal and political significance not only for those convicted under the Act but for all those interested in the right of expression as well. The major anti-sedition legislation operating to limit political expression in the period included the Smith Act of 1940, the Internal Security Act of 1950, the Communist Control Act of 1954, and similar state legislation. Such legislation, aimed directly at the suppression or restriction of subversive activities or groups, must be viewed in the context of the whole body of law available to the government for protection against treason, sedition, espionage, sabotage, and similar acts. The Smith Act defined three offenses, knowingly advocating the overthrow of government by force or violence, knowingly helping to organize a society that engages in such advocacy or becoming a member of such a society, and conspiring with others to commit either of the first two offenses.
- Published
- 1967
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