This report examines and compares the content of laws prohibiting blasphemy ("blasphemy laws") worldwide through the lens of international and human rights law principles. The laws examined in this study prohibit or criminalize the expression of opinions deemed "blasphemous," or counter to majority views or religious belief systems, and many impose serious, often criminal, penalties. Blasphemy laws are actively enforced in many states throughout the world. Many governments deem repeal not feasible or desirable and justify the prohibition and criminalization of blasphemy as necessary to promote religious harmony. This study seeks to evaluate the language and content of blasphemy laws to understand what aspects of these laws adhere to--or deviate from--international and human rights law principles. A better understanding of the laws' compliance with these principles may assist in the public policy community in developing clear, specifically-tailored recommendations for areas for reform. Related products: Explore ourFaith-Based Education resources collection Discover ourHuman Rights collection

Preemption is a doctrine of American constitutional law, under which states and local governments are deprived of their power to act in a given area, whether or not the state or local law, rule or action is in direct conflict with federal law. This book covers not only the basics of preemption but also focuses on such topics as federal mechanisms for agency preemption, implied forms of preemption, and defensive use of federal preemption in civil litigation.

The book is the first of its kind. It consolidates under 18 different subjects in two volumes the objective of Central Acts passed by the Central Government. It covers the objective of each Act, the rights, duties, obligations, and punishments for non-compliance. The book is directed at non-legal persons i.e., ordinary citizens of the country who have not studied or practice law as a subject. The book can also be of immense value as a reference tool to lawyers and legal practitioners. The utility value of the book can be enhanced manifold once it is translated into regional languages. The book aims at guiding a reader into an informed citizen. It provides a platform to reduce the impact and incidence of risks arising out of non-compliance. It is more apt today when so much debate is taking place in the country related to constitutional rights, sedition laws, receiving FCRA, rights of women, the privileged, animal rights, etc. The book has the foreword notes by Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, an eminent chartered accountant and Mr. Manoj K Raut, CEO of the Institute of Directors (IOD).