Democracy, Protest and the Law

Defending a Democratic Right

Michael Head (Western Sydney University, Australia)

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English

Routledge
28 November 2025

In a new era of rising protests, social unrest and political discontent globally, especially over climate change, war dangers, austerity measures and social inequality, the right to protest is a critical democratic right. Yet it is increasingly controversial and subject to government reaction. This book poses a crucial question: how to defend and extend democracy? It examines the critical historical, social, political, ethical and legal issues raised by the basic democratic right to protest and the legislative and executive measures being taken by governments to restrict it. These measures are examined with a focus on three countries with an English legal heritage: the United States, Britain and Australia. These states are frequently held up as models of liberal democracies, respecting core legal and democratic rights. However, an examination shows that they have adopted far-reaching anti-protest laws and other provisions that threaten protest rights and genuine democracy itself. This book will be of interest to all members of society, as well as students, academics and policy-makers in the fields of civil liberties and human rights, constitutional law, criminal justice, national security and environmental studies.

By: Michael Head (Western Sydney University Australia)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9780367608347
ISBN 10: 0367608340
Pages: 198
Publication Date: 28 November 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Michael Head is a professor of law at Western Sydney University, Australia. He is a well-known writer on democratic rights, emergency powers and war powers.