Defaming the Dead

Don Herzog teaches law and political theory at the University of Michigan. He lives in Ann Arbor.

“This fascinating book is not merely about defamation and death but about rationality, the nature of human interests, and what we value and why we value it. Herzog offers for all of these topics interesting arguments, fascinating puzzles, and constant provocation to think and to contemplate.”—Frederick Schauer, David and Mary Harrison Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia"The conclusion of this book—that it ought to be possible to recover damages for defamation of the dead—is hardly an earth-shattering thesis in public policy. But the route that Don Herzog takes to his conclusion is beautifully laid out, sparkling with history, anecdote, and argument, all presented in his inimitably engaging style."—Jeremy Waldron, New York University"Don Herzog explores an odd corner of tort law--defamation and other cases on behalf of the dead--to make the case that individuals really do have interests in what happens after they are dead, and that the point of tort law is to vindicate individual interests. A must-read for those who deny that the dead have interests; a terrific romp for those who think they do.—Elizabeth Anderson, John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor