The end of blasphemy law

Abstract

Blasphemy law was once an integral part of English constitutional and criminal law, such was the law's close affiliation with the precepts of Christianity. The author marks the end of blasphemy law in England by adumbrating the reasons for its decline, and by providing a brief history of the crucial developments within that defunct but once important law, with reference to international as well as domestic case law. He also alludes to the sea change in religious priorities in England and the attempted resolution of possible inter-religious antipathies. Article by Dr Paul Kearns, Lecturer in Law at the School of Law, University of Manchester - published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London