Title
When the Nazis Came to Skokie (Landmark Law Cases & American Society) (Landmark Law Cases and American Society),Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
In the Chicago suburb of Skokie, one out of every six Jewish citizens in the late 1970s was a survivoror was directly related to a survivorof the Holocaust. These victims of terror had resettled in America expecting to lead peaceful lives free from persecution. But their safe haven was shattered when a neoNazi group announced its intention to parade there in 1977. Philippa Strum's dramatic retelling of the events in Skokie (and in the courts) shows why the case ignited such enormous controversy and challenged our understanding of and commitment to First Amendment values.The debate was clearcut: American Nazis claimed the right of free speech while their Jewish 'targets' claimed the right to live without intimidation. The town, arguing that the march would assault the sensibilities of its citizens and spark violence, managed to win a court injunction against the marchers. In response, the American Civil Liberties Union took the case and successfully defended the Nazis' right to free speech.Skokie had all the elements of a difficult case: a clash of absolutes, prior restraint of speech, and heated public sentiment. In recreating it, Strum presents a detailed account and analysis of the legal proceedings as well as finely delineated portraits of the protagonists: Frank Collin, National Socialist Party of America leader and the son of a Jewish Holocaust survivor; Skokie community leader Sol Goldstein, a Holocaust survivor who planned a counterdemonstration against the Nazis; Skokie mayor Albert Smith, who wanted only to protect his townspeople; and ACLU attorney David Goldberger, caught in the ironic position of being a Jew defending the rights of Nazis against fellow Jews. While the ACLU did win the case, it was a costly victory30,000 of its members left the organization. And in the end, ironically, the Nazis never did march in Skokie.Forcefully argued, Strum's book shows that freedom of speech must be defended even when the beneficiaries of that defense are far from admirable individuals. It raises both constitutional and moral issues critical to our understanding of free speech and carries important lessons for current controversies over hate speech on college campuses, inviting readers to think more carefully about what the First Amendment really means.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main topic of 'When the Nazis Came to Skokie'? A: The book discusses the legal and social controversy surrounding a neo-Nazi group's planned march in Skokie, Illinois, in 1977, focusing on the clash between free speech rights and community safety.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Philippa Strum, who provides a detailed retelling of the events and legal proceedings related to the Skokie case.
- Q: What are the key themes explored in the book? A: Key themes include freedom of speech, the moral implications of defending hate speech, and the complexities of First Amendment rights in a diverse society.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 184 pages.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study, particularly in courses related to law, civil rights, and American history, as it provides in-depth analysis and context.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating it has been previously owned but remains in a satisfactory state.
- Q: When was 'When the Nazis Came to Skokie' published? A: The book was published on March 24, 1999.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: What significant events does the book cover? A: The book covers the events leading up to the planned march, the community's response, the legal battles, and the implications of the ACLU's defense of the Nazis' right to free speech.
- Q: Can this book help in understanding current debates on free speech? A: Yes, it raises important constitutional and moral questions relevant to current debates surrounding free speech and hate speech on college campuses.