Americans' First Amendment right to know trumps foreign treaty agreements

By James J Cotter III and Eamonn DornanA recent US Federal Appeals Court decision upholding subpoenas of research by two Boston College scholars into 'The Troubles' has grave implications for political stability in Northern Ireland but it also highlights the threat to Americans' rights to free speech, a concern that will be shared, we believe, by the Irish people and all who value this most sacred and basic of human rightsAcademics—and journalists—take considerable risks in providing the American public with insightful information into the thoughts and processes of combatants in the world’s trouble zones They deserve protections that the Court's recent ruling denies Read more