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Can Cyber Harassment Laws Encourage Online Speech?

  • Jonathon Penney
  • , Jon Penney
    • Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    Do laws criminalizing online harassment and cyberbullying "chill" online speech? Critics often argue that they do. However, this article discusses findings from a new empirical legal study that suggests, counter-intuitively, that while such legal interventions likely have some dampening effect, they may also facilitate and encourage more speech, expression, and sharing by those who are most often the targets of online harassment: women. Relevant findings on this point from this first-of-its-kind study are set out and discussed along with their implications.

    Original languageCanadian English
    Title of host publicationCan Cyber Harassment Laws Encourage Online Speech?
    Publication statusPublished - Jan. 1 2018

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
      SDG 5 Gender Equality
    2. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
      SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Keywords

    • Chilling Effects
    • Online Harassment
    • Cyberbullying
    • Free Speech
    • First Amendment
    • Empirical Legal Research
    • Cyberharassment
    • Women's Rights
    • Gender Studies

    Disciplines

    • Computer Law
    • Constitutional Law
    • Criminal Law
    • Human Rights Law
    • Internet Law
    • Law
    • Law and Gender
    • Law and Society
    • Science and Technology Law

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