Prophet of Modern Constitutional Liberalism: John Stuart Mill and the Supreme Court

John Stuart Mill is the father of modern liberalism and his ideas have profoundly influenced the American constitutional rights tradition of the latter half of the twentieth century. His harm principle inspired the constitutional right to privacy, his defense of freedom of expression influenced Justices Holmes, Brandeis, Douglas, Brennan, and others, and his last important work, The Subjection of Women, was a radical defense of gender equality.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 149 pages
\n Publication date: 11 November 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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John Stuart Mill, the esteemed father of modern liberalism, left an indelible mark on the world with his seminal work, "On Liberty," published in 1859. This profound masterpiece revolutionized the course of the liberal tradition, shaping the philosophical landscape for generations to come. However, what is less widely recognized is the profound influence that Mill's ideas had on the American constitutional rights tradition of the latter half of the twentieth century.

Mill's Harm Principle, a cornerstone of his philosophy, played a pivotal role in shaping the constitutional right to privacy that was recognized in landmark cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut, Roe v. Wade, and others. His unwavering defense of freedom of expression inspired Justices Holmes, Brandeis, Douglas, Brennan, and countless others, leading to a significant expansion of freedom of speech in the twentieth century.

But Mill's influence extended beyond his intellectual contributions. He was a staunch feminist who dedicated his life to advocating for gender equality. His last important work, "The Subjection of Women," was a comprehensive and radical defense of complete gender equality, challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights and dignity of women.

This book is a treasure trove for lawyers seeking to understand the intellectual origins of modern constitutional rights. It provides a deep dive into Mill's philosophical framework, exploring the principles that guided his vision of individual liberty and social justice. At the same time, it offers valuable insights for political philosophers interested in exploring the constitutional implications of Mill's conception of freedom.

As we reflect on the legacy of John Stuart Mill, we are reminded of the power of ideas to shape the course of history. His profound contributions to liberalism, constitutional rights, and feminist philosophy continue to inspire and shape our world today. By studying his ideas, we can better understand the foundations of our democratic societies and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

\n Weight: 234g\n
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108719452\n
Edition number: New ed\n