Meiklejohnian absolutism

Meiklejohnian absolutism is the belief espoused by the absolutist Alexander Meiklejohn, that the purpose of the 1st Amendment is to continue to keep the electorate informed, thereby creating self-governance.

Therefore, all speech, which can even be criticizing of the established governance, is healthy to the life of democracy. In essence, this means that free speech must be protected not for those speaking, but for those that should hear what they are saying.

This term is a law and journalistic term that is used in large part to argue the burden of proof is on the side of an argument opposing the 1st Amendment, such as clear and present danger.

References

• Monthly Review March
• The new theology of the First Amendment: class privilege over democracy